Guinea-Bissau’s opposition PAIGC party has urged voters to boycott an upcoming constitutional referendum, alleging the process lacks transparency and systematically excludes key political factions.
The August 30 vote will decide whether to adopt a new constitution drafted by the country’s governing National Transitional Council.
Military forces seized control of the West African nation in November, halting a presidential election and ousting the sitting head of state.
Although civilian governance is slated to resume following December elections, citizens must first vote on sweeping constitutional revisions.
The proposed amendments mark a major shift, abandoning the current parliamentary framework to establish a centralized presidential system.
If approved, the new constitution would grant the president broad executive authority to appoint the prime minister and dissolve parliament.
Opposition leaders warn that these structural changes threaten democratic checks, pointing to a process they argue is tilted toward consolidating power.