Gabon’s military junta announced that a new constitution was overwhelmingly approved in a recent referendum, with 91.8 percent of votes in favor. The constitution imposes term limits on the presidency and eliminates the prime minister role. There were concerns about the legitimacy of the voting process, given the junta’s control and propaganda. Voter turnout was reported at 53.54 percent. Critics fear the new constitution may facilitate authoritarian rule.
Gabon’s military rulers have reported that their new constitution has received overwhelming approval in a recent referendum, as per preliminary results released on Sunday. This marks a significant development for the oil-rich nation. Approximately 860,000 registered voters were urged through various media channels to participate in the referendum, which allowed them to express their approval or disapproval via colored ballots. The new constitution proposes a presidency limited to a maximum of two seven-year terms, eliminates the position of prime minister, and prevents hereditary succession.
The provisional results indicate that 91.8 percent of voters supported the new constitution, as stated by the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI). Voter turnout was recorded at 53.54 percent, which is notably lower than the previously announced figure of 71 percent. Fortunately, the voting process was largely peaceful, with no serious incidents reported across the 2,835 polling stations that were open until 6:00 PM.
As part of the electoral process, the junta enacted a two-hour extension of the night curfew to midnight. The new constitutional provisions stipulate that presidential candidates must be Gabonese nationals with at least one Gabonese parent and a Gabonese spouse. This change effectively disqualifies former president Ali Bongo Ondimba and his descendants.
Transitional president Brice Oligui Nguema hailed the referendum as an important progress point as he cast his vote within a Libreville school. He appeared in civilian attire, emphasizing the junta’s claims of a transparent voting process while acknowledging the intention to restore civilian governance in the following two years. Nevertheless, there are indications of his ambition to contest the upcoming presidential election in August 2025.
In the lead-up to the vote, it was evident that the campaign was heavily influenced by pro-junta propaganda, leading local media to question the referendum’s legitimacy. Long queues were observed at polling stations, where military personnel ensured voter security, reflecting the regime’s control over the electoral environment. Many voters, while expressing confidence in the junta, admitted to being unfamiliar with the detailed provisions of the new constitution.
Critics of the proposed constitution denounce it as an effort to solidify power for the current regime, suggesting it lays the groundwork for dictatorial rule. Concerns have emerged about the previous administration’s track record on corruption and governance, which ultimately led to Ali Bongo’s removal after a disputed election.
Efforts by the interior ministry aimed to ensure transparency in the referendum included inviting international observers, a move not seen during the prior presidential election. Many citizens have expressed that they would refrain from participating in future votes if their votes were not respected. A recent survey revealed a prevailing sentiment of optimism about the nation’s direction, yet concerns regarding unemployment and rising living costs remain paramount.
The recent referendum held in Gabon represents a critical moment for the nation, which has experienced significant political turbulence since the military coup last August that removed Ali Bongo Ondimba from power. The junta led by Brice Oligui Nguema seeks to establish a new constitutional framework aimed at reshaping governance while addressing public dissatisfaction regarding the previous administration’s failures. The constitutional proposals include limitations on presidential terms and requirements for candidacy, reflecting a marked shift in political considerations as Gabon navigates its transition towards civilian rule.
In summary, Gabon’s recent constitutional referendum yielded a striking approval rate of 91.8 percent among participating voters, indicating a significant shift in the nation’s political landscape. While supporters view this as a critical step towards reform and stability, opponents raise concerns about potential authoritarianism under the new framework. As Gabon prepares for upcoming civilian elections, the legitimacy and transparency of the electoral process will be closely scrutinized by both domestic and international observers, necessitating vigilance to ensure accountability and representative governance.
Original Source: www.tiogapublishing.com
