Guinea-Bissau will hold a referendum later this year on whether to approve a constitutional change giving the president more powers, according to a government decree published on Monday.

The army took power of the coastal West African nation in November 2025, just days after a disputed presidential election.

The transitional government has since unanimously approved a constitutional amendment for the country to switch to a presidential system from a parliamentary one.

That would allow the head of state to appoint the prime minister and members of the government, and to dissolve parliament.

Transitional president will not be allowed to vie

New presidential and parliamentary elections designed to restore civilian rule are due to be held on December 6. But the public will first be asked whether they agree with the change to the constitution.

"Considering the proposal for a national referendum for which the Supreme Court has issued a favourable opinion, the transitional president, General Horta N'Tam, has set (the date) for August 30, 2026," the decree stated.

N'Tam will not be allowed to run for president, the transitional government said in December 2025.

Embalo's rule

Until now, the prime minister came from the parliamentary majority but that led to difficult periods of coalition governments.

Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who was ousted in 2025, ruled by decree until his removal, after dissolving the opposition-dominated parliament in December 2023.