Latest news in Guinea-Bissau? September 3rd, 2026

The most prominent recent development in Guinea-Bissau is the approval of a new constitution in a nationwide referendum, with provisional results confirmed by the National Electoral Commission: Pulse of Africa

• Constitutional Referendum Results: Provisional figures released by the electoral commission showed that 70% of voters approved the new constitution. The vote shifts Guinea-Bissau from a semi-presidential model to a strong presidential system. Pulse of Africa+ 1
• Expanded Presidential Powers: Under the new framework, the head of state gains the authority to directly appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, create or dissolve government ministries, and dissolve parliament during severe political crises. Previously, the parliamentary majority held the power to nominate the prime minister. Pulse of Africa+ 1
• Parliamentary and Electoral Changes: The new constitution reduces the size of the National People’s Assembly from 102 seats down to 65 and consolidates electoral constituencies from 29 to 12. It also introduces a residency clause requiring presidential candidates to have lived in the country for the preceding five years. Pulse of Africa
• Political Context and Opposition Boycott: The referendum was organized by the transitional military authorities ahead of planned general elections in December intended to restore constitutional civilian rule. Major opposition factions boycotted the ballot, warning that centralizing powers in the executive undermines democratic safeguards and creates institutional imbalance. Africanews+ 1
• Public Health Monitoring: In public health news, health authorities and the WHO continue surveillance in Bissau following active community transmission of mpox, with 10 confirmed cases recorded and zero fatalities. WHO | Regional Office for Africa