Guinea-Bissau Begins Counting Votes in Post-Coup Constitutional Referendum
Vote counting began in Guinea-Bissau after a referendum on expanding presidential powers, held 10 months after a military coup.
In short
- Vote counting began in Guinea-Bissau after a referendum on expanding presidential powers, held 10 months after a military coup.
Vote counting began in Guinea-Bissau on Sunday, August 30, after citizens cast ballots in a constitutional referendum that would strengthen the presidency.
The vote took place 10 months after a military coup. The country’s military authorities presented the proposed changes as a way to make future civilian governments more stable.
The referendum is a significant test of the transition promised after the coup, in a country with a long history of political upheaval. The final result and the authorities’ timetable for restoring elected civilian rule will determine the practical effect of the vote.
No result had been announced when counting began. AddisMizan will treat any early claims about the outcome as provisional until election authorities release verified totals.
