Guinea-Bissau approves new constitution that expands presidential powers

The result gives the military government backing to reshape Guinea-Bissau's political ​system before the presidential election, but the main opposition party boycotted the vote.

Election officials count ballots for the constitutional referendum at a polling station after voting closed in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau has approved a new ‌constitution in a referendum, provisional results showed on Tuesday, expanding presidential powers and reshaping electoral rules ahead of a presidential election scheduled for December.

The West African country, led by military officers who seized power in a coup last November, voted on Sunday on reforms allowing the president to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, create or abolish ministries, and dissolve parliament in the event of a grave political crisis.