Guinea-Bissau to vote on constitution expanding presidential powers

The referendum is due to take place on August 30, followed by general elections in December. The vote is therefore being closely watched as Guinea-Bissau attempts to move from military rule back toward an elected government

The army seized power in Portuguese-speaking Guinea-Bissau in November, just days after a presidential election, overthrowing the head of state and suspending the electoral process.

BISSAU, Aug 25 - Guinea-Bissau, which is currently led by military officers who staged a coup last year, will hold a constitutional referendum on August 30 that would expand the power of the presidency and reshape rules for elections scheduled for December.