Politics of Guinea-Bissau

Politics of Guinea-Bissau

The politics of Guinea-Bissau work under a semi-presidential representative democratic republic with a multi-party system. In this system, the President is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. Executive power is used by the government, and legislative power is shared between the government and the National People's Assembly.

Since 1994, two main parties have led the country: the socialist African Independence Party of Guinea and Cape Verde and the Party for Social Renewal. The judiciary works separately from the other parts of government.

Even though there is a constitutional system, the military has often been very important in the country's leadership. Since 1994, Guinea-Bissau has had many difficulties, including some changes in leadership. Only one president, José Mário Vaz, has completed his full five-year term since the country became independent in 1974.

Political developments

In 1989, Guinea-Bissau started to become more open. The ruling party let other parties form, and people could start their own news groups. The first elections with many parties happened in 1994.

Guinea-Bissau has had some hard times with its leaders. In 2009, the president was killed. Sometimes leaders were removed by the military, called coups. In 2019, there was an election that some people argued about. In 2025, the military took control before an election result was announced.

Executive branch

The president of Guinea-Bissau is chosen by the people to serve a five-year term. The president then picks the prime minister, after talking with leaders from the legislature. The current president and prime minister started their jobs after a special group, called the High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order, took control on November 26, 2025.

Legislative branch

The National People's Assembly has 102 members. Voters choose these members every four years from different areas.

Political parties and elections

Main articles: List of political parties in Guinea-Bissau and Elections in Guinea-Bissau

Presidential elections

Main article: 2019 Guinea-Bissau presidential election

In the first round of voting, Domingos Simões Pereira got the most votes. The current president, José Mário Vaz, came in fourth and did not go to the next round. In the final round, Umaro Sissoco Embaló won against Simões Pereira.

Parliamentary elections

Main article: 2019 Guinea-Bissau legislative election

Judicial branch

Guinea-Bissau has a Supreme Court. The president chooses nine justices for this court. It is the last place people can go for big legal problems, both in criminal and civil cases. There are also regional courts, one for each of the nine regions. These handle serious cases and civil cases with more than $1,000. Smaller courts handle less serious cases and civil matters under $1,000.
court of appeals

Administrative divisions

Guinea-Bissau is divided into 9 regions. These regions are Bafata, Biombo, Bissau, Bolama, Cacheu, Gabu, Oio, Quinara, and Tombali.

International organization participation

Guinea-Bissau belongs to many groups that help countries work together. Some of these groups are the ACP, AfDB, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, and WTrO. These groups help with trade, health, and communication between nations.

ACCT (associate), FZ, UN, WADB (regional)