Voters in Guinea-Bissau have approved a new constitution in a referendum, according to provisional results showing 70% support for the measure. The constitutional amendment marks the first significant overhaul of the country's governing framework since the end of its one-party socialist system more than three decades ago.
The changes expand presidential powers and introduce new rules for parliamentary candidates, reducing the number of seats in parliament. The referendum took place ahead of elections scheduled for December in the west African nation.
Opponents of the measure have argued that the constitutional changes will undermine democracy in the country. The specifics of their concerns and the nature of the parliamentary and candidacy changes were not detailed in the provisional result announcement.
