Voters in Guinea-Bissau have approved a proposed constitutional amendment that will grant the president broader powers, according to the country's electoral commission.
The referendum was held less than 10 months after the military seized power in a coup and just months before a presidential election scheduled for December 6.
Results announced on Tuesday by the National Electoral Commission showed that the Yes campaign secured about 70 per cent of the vote.
The military junta has defended the constitutional changes, saying they are necessary to strengthen state institutions and create stability ahead of elections intended to return the country to civilian rule.
However, the referendum took place amid a tense political climate, with opposition groups urging citizens to boycott the vote, citing restrictions on public freedoms.
The final referendum results are expected to be announced by the Supreme Court in the coming days. So far, the court has not received any legal challenges to the process.
Source: Africanews