Guinea-Bissau’s main opposition party, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), has called for a boycott of the country’s upcoming constitutional referendum, accusing authorities of excluding political parties from the process.
The referendum is scheduled for August 30 and will determine whether a new Constitution approved by the National Transitional Council will come into force.
Opposition Raises Rigging Concerns
PAIGC said political parties had been left out of the constitutional process and warned of what it described as a “clear tendency to rig the process.”
The opposition’s call comes amid continued political uncertainty following the military takeover in November, when army officers seized power shortly after a presidential election and suspended the electoral process.
Presidential System Proposed
One of the most significant changes contained in the proposed Constitution is the replacement of the existing parliamentary system with a presidential system.
Under the proposed arrangements, the president would have greater executive powers, including the authority to appoint the prime minister and members of government.
The president would also have the power to dissolve parliament.
The opposition has raised concerns about the concentration of executive authority and the process through which the proposed Constitution was prepared.
Elections Planned for December
The referendum is taking place ahead of planned general elections in December, which are intended to restore civilian rule following the military takeover.
Voters will therefore be asked to decide on the proposed constitutional changes before returning to the polls to elect civilian leaders.
The referendum and subsequent elections are expected to play a crucial role in determining Guinea-Bissau’s political future as the country seeks to move beyond military rule.
With the opposition calling for a boycott, concerns over political participation and the credibility of the constitutional process are likely to remain at the centre of debate ahead of the August 30 vote.
