Polls have closed in Guinea-Bissau, and officials have begun counting votes for a referendum that proposes significant changes to the country’s constitutional structure. The central focus of the ballot is a proposal to strengthen the powers of the presidency.

This vote occurs ten months after a military-led transition took control of the government. According to the current military leadership, the constitutional changes are a necessary step to ensure long-term stability and prevent the political volatility that has historically plagued civilian governments in the region.

While the military authorities frame the referendum as a path toward a more functional state, the process has drawn attention due to the context of the recent coup. The transition government maintains that these reforms will provide a clearer framework for future civilian administration. However, the referendum has been met with varying levels of scrutiny regarding the legitimacy of a vote held under military oversight. As the counting process continues, international observers and local stakeholders are monitoring the results to see how the proposed shift in executive power will influence the country's return to constitutional order.