Gabon’s military leaders announced the new constitution has received 91.8% approval in a recent referendum, but voter turnout was only 53.54%. The new constitution limits presidential terms and bars dynastic rule, while critics label it a step toward dictatorship. The transitional president hailed the referendum as progress amid concerns about rising unemployment and living costs.
Provisional results from Gabon’s recent referendum indicate that the new constitution has secured overwhelming support from voters. The military government, which has been in power since a coup in August 2022, announced that approximately 91.8% of the votes favored the new constitution, despite the lower than expected voter turnout of 53.54% as reported by the interior ministry. This new constitution limits presidential terms to two seven-year periods, omits the role of prime minister, and prohibits dynastic succession.
The voting process took place across 2,835 polling stations, under the supervision of military personnel tasked with maintaining security. The transitional president, Brice Oligui Nguema, cast his vote in Libreville, referring to the referendum as a pivotal advancement for the nation. While encouraging citizens to participate in the voting process, the campaign surrounding the constitution has been criticized for appearing more like a promotional endeavor for the president in light of upcoming elections.
Critics assert that the proposed constitution is tailored to benefit a powerful elite, potentially consolidating a dictatorial regime. Despite this, a survey indicated that nearly 87% of respondents believe Gabon is moving in a positive direction. However, many citizens, including civil servant Nathalie Badzoko, expressed confidence in the junta’s integrity, despite admitting they had not thoroughly reviewed the constitutional text. The interior ministry also made efforts to ensure transparency in the referendum, even inviting international observers to monitor the process. The final vote count will be validated by the constitutional court, while the country continues to grapple with pressing concerns including unemployment and rising living costs.
In August 2022, Gabon experienced a military coup that ousted then-president Ali Bongo Ondimba after accusations of electoral fraud. Since the coup, the military administration has aimed to restructure the nation’s governance, culminating in the proposal of a new constitution aimed at reforming presidential powers and mitigating dynastic politics. The recent referendum represents a significant shift in Gabon’s political landscape, despite concerns over the integrity of the military’s governance. With elections on the horizon, the referendum result may influence the political future of Gabon, highlighting the balance of power between the military rulers and the citizens they govern.
The approval of the new constitution in Gabon marks a crucial development in the nation’s governance, with overwhelming support as per provisional results. Nonetheless, criticisms regarding potential authoritarianism and lack of transparency in the electoral process persist. Voter turnout figures indicate a population still grappling with its relationship to the new regime, while pressing societal issues remain at the forefront. The outcome of this referendum could significantly shape Gabon’s future political landscape as the nation prepares for the upcoming presidential elections.
Original Source: www.tiogapublishing.com
