Vote counting underway in Guinea-Bissau referendum that could expand presidential powers

Ballot counting begins in military-run Guinea-Bissau after voting ended in a referendum that could expand the president's powers, ahead of a general election later this year aimed at restoring civilian rule.

[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.

Ten months after a coup, military leaders say the referendum is designed to stabilise future civilian governments.

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.

The West African nation's military government wants to amend the constitution to give more powers to the president. The junta, which seized power last year, says it will hold elections in December.

The country went to the polls on Saturday on whether to resume entry talks with the European Union.

Iceland voted in a referendum on whether to resume membership negotiations with the European Union, with a close race predicted and the final result expected late in the night or next morning.