Vote counting has begun in Guinea-Bissau following a referendum on a proposed new constitution that would significantly expand the powers of the president.
The referendum was held on Sunday, less than 10 months after the military seized power in the West African country. The junta says the constitutional changes are aimed at stabilising the country ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December 6.
Voting ended at 5:00 p.m. local time, with the first provisional results expected on Tuesday. The National Electoral Commission said voter turnout exceeded 55 per cent and reported that the exercise was generally peaceful.
The proposed constitution would change Guinea-Bissau from a parliamentary to a presidential system, giving the president the power to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and members of government, as well as dissolve parliament.
Source: Africanews