Guinea-Bissau Opposition Slams ‘Fraudulent’ Referendum
Guinea-Bissau’s leading opposition groups have issued a sharp plea to the international community, urging global leaders to reject the results of a constitutional referendum they have branded a “gross falsification” and a “fraud.”
Opposition Denounces “Military-Controlled” Vote
The Inclusive Alliance Platform (PAI-Terra Ranka) and the Inclusive Patriotic Alliance (API-Cabas Garandi) released a joint statement on Sunday, accusing the country’s National Electoral Commission (CNE) of operating under the direct control of the ruling military junta. The platforms, which include the historic PAIGC party, claim the referendum was marred by deep illegalities designed to consolidate power.
The opposition is demanding that the United Nations, the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) refuse to validate the process. They are calling for an “urgent” independent audit of the CNE data, citing significant discrepancies in voter registration numbers and the total exclusion of the Guinean diaspora from the ballot.
A Tense Transition Toward December Elections
The referendum is a pivotal—and controversial—step in the transition following the coup d’état on November 26, 2025. The military-led government seized power just one day before election results were due to be finalized, ousting then-President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. The new constitution significantly expands the powers of the head of state, a move critics say was staged to allow Embaló to return to office with authoritarian reach in the upcoming December 6 elections.
AU Mediator Calls for Compliance
Despite the opposition’s outcry, African Union mediator Patrice Trovoada signaled support for the process following a meeting with transitional President General Horta Inta-a in Bissau. Trovoada, the former Prime Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe, emphasized that the new constitution must be respected by all parties.
“We reviewed the situation and the evolution of the process following the referendum,” Trovoada told local media. “This constitution should serve the Guinean people… it is an important step. Now, let us hope that we will continue to move toward presidential elections, seeking to ensure the process is as transparent and inclusive as possible.”
Media Blackout and Remote Monitoring
The political crisis in Guinea-Bissau remains difficult to monitor on the ground. The government expelled Portuguese media outlets in August 2025, leading to the suspension of the Lusa news agency bureau in the country. Current reporting is being conducted remotely as the nation nears its December 6 deadline for new elections.
Image: Pexels – Supun D Hewage
