Gabonese Voters Overwhelmingly Support New Constitution in Referendum

Gabon’s military rulers declared that a new constitution has been overwhelmingly approved in a referendum, with 91.8% support from voters. The new constitutional framework limits presidential terms and excludes candidates with non-Gabonese spouses. Voter turnout was reported at 53.54%, prompting mixed responses regarding transparency and democratic integrity as calls for restoration to civilian rule mount amid ongoing public concerns about governance and unemployment.

Gabon’s military authorities have reported that a new constitution has been largely endorsed following a recent referendum, which is considered a pivotal moment for the oil-rich nation. Approximately 860,000 registered voters participated, and they were urged through multiple media channels to ensure their ballots count, choosing between a green vote for “yes” or a red vote for “no.”
The proposed constitution stipulates that the presidency shall be limited to two terms of seven years each, eliminates the position of prime minister, and prohibits any dynastic succession. The Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) indicated that an overwhelming 91.8 percent of those who voted supported the new constitution.
Despite an official campaign led by the military junta that seized power in August 2022, the turnout was reported at 53.54 percent, a figure lower than the 71 percent initially stated by Gabon TV. Voting proceeded without major disturbances at 2,835 polling stations, which operated until 6:00 PM. Following the election, the junta extended a curfew during the electoral process by two hours to midnight.
Significantly, the new constitution mandates that presidential candidates must possess Gabonese nationality, either being born in Gabon or having a Gabonese spouse. This disqualifies former president Ali Bongo Ondimba, who is married to a French national, as well as his children. Transitional president Brice Oligui Nguema, who characterized the referendum as a “great step forward,” voted at a school in Libreville.
Public sentiment about the constitution is mixed, with some supporters, like civil servant Nathalie Badzoko, expressing confidence in the junta, despite having limited knowledge of the extensive document. Critics, however, accuse the regime of crafting a constitution designed to secure a dictatorial grip on power. Lawyer Marlene Fabienne Essola Efountame argued, “We are creating a dictator who designs the constitution for himself.”
Ali Bongo, deposed shortly after a contested election victory, succeeded his father Omar, who had held power for over four decades. The coup leaders, along with the opposition, have criticized Bongo’s administration for corruption and governance issues.
Efforts were made to ensure the referendum’s transparency, including inviting international monitors, which were absent during the August 2023 presidential election. Civil servant Mathurin Bengone stated, “If our vote isn’t respected, we won’t vote again,” indicating the importance of public faith in the electoral process.
Following the referendum, preliminary surveys suggested that nearly 87 percent of respondents felt the country was on the right path. Concerns for unemployment, healthcare, infrastructure, security, and living costs remain high. Notably, 46 percent of those surveyed expressed significant confidence in President Oligui, who is anticipated to be a leading candidate in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for August 2025.

This article discusses the recent referendum held in Gabon regarding a new constitution, following a military coup last year. With significant governmental changes proposed, including the limiting of presidential terms and eligibility, the referendum is viewed as a pivotal step in Gabon’s political landscape. Previous discontent with former President Ali Bongo’s regime has led to scrutiny of the new proposals, and how they might impact future governance and the return to civilian rule.

In conclusion, the approval of Gabon’s new constitution appears to mark a significant political shift for the country, with overwhelmingly positive preliminary results reported in the referendum. However, the underlying concerns regarding potential authoritarianism and the legitimacy of the transitional government persist amongst critics. As Gabon moves forward, the balance between restoring civilian governance and maintaining stability will be crucial, with significant public sentiment yet to be navigated ahead of the 2025 electoral cycle.

Original Source: www.tiogapublishing.com