Voting continued Sunday in Guinea-Bissau on a referendum for a new Constitution, with authorities reporting a generally calm and orderly process and no incidents at polling stations. The National Elections Commission said it was unable to provide a consolidated turnout figure, although participation was described as massive in some regions and reasonable in others. Security forces were deployed nationwide to protect voters and electoral materials, while vehicle restrictions were relaxed in the afternoon to facilitate access to polling stations. The CNE urged citizens and media organizations to rely on verified information and avoid spreading rumors.
After casting his ballot, Aladje Botche Candé, special adviser to the Prime Minister on defence and security and leader of the Workers’ Party of Guinea, said the proposed Constitution could help strengthen political and institutional stability, particularly by addressing recurring tensions between the President and Prime Minister. He praised the participation of young people, women and traditional leaders in the process, while acknowledging the challenges involved in organizing the referendum. Polling was scheduled to close at 5:00 p.m., with the CNE expected to provide an update on turnout, incidents and the counting process later in the evening.
