In a major step toward restoring constitutional order, the transitional government of Guinea-Bissau has officially scheduled the nation’s next general elections for December 2026. The announcement, made today, Thursday, 22 January 2026, follows months of diplomatic pressure from ECOWAS and the African Union after a military intervention disrupted the democratic process earlier.
The decree aims to provide a clear roadmap for a return to civilian rule, though the nearly year-long wait has drawn mixed reactions from the local political class.
The transitional authorities have outlined several critical milestones that must be met before the December polls:
Voter Census Update: A nationwide biometric voter registration drive is set to begin in mid-2026 to ensure the integrity of the electoral roll.
Constitutional Review: A committee has been tasked with proposing amendments to the constitution to “address the systemic issues that led to the recent political instability.”
Security Reform: The military has pledged to retreat to the barracks once a new, democratically elected administration is sworn in.
The decision to set a 2026 date is seen as a compromise. While some internal factions pushed for an earlier vote in 2025, regional bodies agreed that more time was needed to ensure a “stable and peaceful” transition.
ECOWAS Stance: The regional bloc has welcomed the timeline but warned that it will maintain “monitoring mechanisms” to ensure the transition remains on track.
The “Board of Peace” Interest: Given the strategic importance of Guinea-Bissau in the fight against regional narcotics trafficking, the US-led Board of Peace is expected to offer technical support for the election.
Guinea-Bissau Transition Timeline
| Period | Milestone | Goal |
| Q1 – Q2 2026 | Constitutional Reform | Finalizing the legal framework. |
| Q3 2026 | Voter Registration | Ensuring every citizen can vote. |
| Dec 2026 | General Elections | Return to civilian-led democracy. |
| Jan 2027 | Inauguration | Handover of power. |
Local civil society groups have expressed cautious optimism. One activist in Bissau told TheLink News:
“We have a date, which is better than a vacuum. But December is a long way off. The people need to see improvements in the economy and security now, not just a promise of a vote in a year’s time.”
