Gabon held a referendum on a new constitution, which received overwhelming support, with 91.8 percent approving it, according to provisional results. The document limits presidential terms and excludes certain candidates based on heritage. While voter turnout was around 53.54 percent, the process was marked by military oversight and concerns about the concentration of power in the junta. President Oligui’s leadership is largely supported by the populace, who express hopes for positive change.
Gabon’s military rulers announced the provisional results of a referendum on a new constitution, which shows overwhelming support from voters. With approximately 860,000 registered voters, the new constitution proposes a presidency limited to two seven-year terms and eliminates the prime ministerial position, preventing any hereditary transfer of power. The Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions reported that 91.8 percent of voters backed the constitution, while voter turnout was reported at 53.54 percent, lower than anticipated.
Despite the junta’s dominance in campaigning, where official propaganda urged citizens to vote, the election proceeded without major incidents across 2,835 polling stations. The new charter mandates that presidential candidates must be Gabonese citizens with at least one Gabon-born parent and a Gabonese spouse, effectively disqualifying former President Ali Bongo Ondimba and his lineage from future elections. Interim President Brice Oligui Nguema described the referendum as a significant advancement for the nation.
Voting took place under close military supervision amidst security measures, including an extended night curfew throughout the electoral period. Opponents of the new constitution criticize it as an effort to establish a dictatorship, suggesting it is tailored for Oligui Nguema’s personal benefit. The last administration faced accusations of corruption and ineffectiveness, prompting calls for change among the populace, primarily concerned about job creation and the rising cost of living.
In the aftermath of the referendum, there remains a general sense of optimism among voters, as noted in a recent survey where nearly 87 percent believe the nation is progressing positively. Support for President Oligui is high, with over 46 percent of respondents expressing strong confidence in his leadership potential. The final results will be determined by the constitutional court, marking a crucial juncture in Gabon’s political evolution.
The referendum represents Gabon’s attempt to restructure its governance following a military coup in August 2023 that deposed President Ali Bongo Ondimba. The military junta, termed the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions, is seeking to implement a constitutional framework that limits presidential power while promoting stability in the resource-rich nation. This political shift comes amid a backdrop of dissatisfaction with previous administrations marked by allegations of corruption and poor governance.
The approval of the new constitution in Gabon marks a pivotal point for the country as it moves forward from a history characterized by authoritarian rule. While there is significant support for the transition towards a more democratic process, concerns regarding the concentration of power in the hands of the current leadership persist. The outcome of the final tally and subsequent political developments will be crucial in shaping Gabon’s democratic future.
Original Source: www.tiogapublishing.com
