Guinea-Bissau referendum tests democratic future

Following voter approval of a constitutional change that expands presidential powers, Guinea-Bissau faces renewed debate over legitimacy, civilian rule and democratic safeguards.

Changes include fewer seats in parliament and new rules on presidential candidates ahead of December elections Guinea-Bissau voters have approved a new constitution significantly expanding presidential powers ahead of elections due in December. According to provisional results, 70% of voters approved sweeping changes i

The sweeping reforms come in the wake of last year's coup and ahead of a proposed return to civilian rule.

Under the new text, the country will abandon the old system whereby the prime minister came from the parliamentary majority, which has led to uncomfortable power-sharing

The National Electoral Commission says 70 percent of voters cast their ballots in favour of the changes.

DAKAR, Sept 1 - Guinea-Bissau has approved a new constitution in a referendum, provisional results showed on Tuesday, expanding presidential powers and reshaping electoral rules ahead of a presidential election scheduled for December.

[RFI] Voters in military-run Guinea-Bissau will cast ballots on Sunday in a referendum that could give the president more powers ahead of a general election meant to restore civilian rule later this year.

Ballot counting began in military-run Guinea-Bissau as voting ended in Sunday’s referendum, which could give the president more powers ahead of a general election meant to restore civilian rule later this year. Security was stepped up at strategic points in the capital, with members of the national guard and the police

Guinea-Bissau is voting in a referendum to decide on granting new presidential powers

Voters in military-ruled Guinea-Bissau, after a coup, vote on Sunday in a referendum to boost presidential powers before elections to restore civilian rule, a process mired in controversy.