Politics of Guinea-Bissau

The politics of Guinea-Bissau take place in a framework of a semi-presidential representative democratic republic with a multi-party system. In this system, the President serves as the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. Executive power is exercised by the government, while legislative power is shared between the government and the National People's Assembly.

Since 1994, the country's politics have mainly been led by two parties: the socialist African Independence Party of Guinea and Cape Verde and the Party for Social Renewal. The judiciary operates independently from the other branches of government.

However, despite having a constitutional system, the military has often played a big role in the country's leadership. Since 1994, Guinea-Bissau has faced many challenges, including three coups, a civil war, and an attempted coup. Only one president, José Mário Vaz, has finished his five-year term since the country became independent in 1974.

Political developments

In 1989, Guinea-Bissau began moving toward more open government. The ruling party allowed other parties to form, and people could start their own news groups. The first elections with many parties happened in 1994.

Guinea-Bissau has had some difficult times with its leaders. In 2009, the president was killed by soldiers. There have been times when 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 again 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, talking with leaders from the legislature first. 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 who are chosen by voters 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 led with 40.13% of the vote. The current president, José Mário Vaz, finished fourth and did not move to the next round. In the final round, Umaro Sissoco Embaló won with 54% of the vote against Simões Pereira.

Parliamentary elections

Main article: 2019 Guinea-Bissau legislative election

Judicial branch

Guinea-Bissau has a Supreme Court with nine justices chosen by the president. This court is the last place people can go for big legal problems in both criminal and civil cases. There are also regional courts, one for each of the nine regions, which handle serious cases and civil cases with more than $1,000. Below these are smaller courts for 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 is part of many groups that help countries work together. Some of these groups include 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 many things like trade, health, and communication between nations.

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