BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau — The political opposition in Guinea-Bissau, led by the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), has officially called for a comprehensive boycott of the country’s upcoming constitutional referendum. The move comes amid mounting concerns over the integrity of the August 30 vote, which will determine whether a new constitution approved by the National Transitional Council will enter into force.
The referendum takes place against a backdrop of recent political instability. The military seized power in November, overthrowing the head of state and suspending the electoral process just days after a presidential election. While new elections aimed at restoring civilian power are currently scheduled for December, voters will first be asked to approve these sweeping constitutional amendments.
Representatives of the PAIGC have strongly condemned the current framework, stating that political parties have been systematically excluded from the drafting and decision-making processes. The opposition pointed to what it described as a clear tendency to rig the process, warning that the lack of inclusive dialogue undermines democratic standards and public trust.
At the heart of the controversy are the proposed constitutional changes, which would fundamentally alter the nation’s governance structure. The amendments seek to abandon the current parliamentary system in favor of a presidential one. Under this new proposal, the president would gain significant expanded powers, including the authority to directly appoint the prime minister and other members of the government, as well as the unilateral power to dissolve parliament.
As the August 30 deadline approaches, the PAIGC’s boycott call highlights a deepening political divide in Guinea-Bissau. The opposition’s stance sets the stage for a tense period of civic mobilization and political uncertainty leading up to the planned December elections.
