Gabon’s military junta announced that voters overwhelmingly approved a new constitution in a referendum, with provisional results indicating 91.8 percent support and a turnout of 53.54 percent. The constitution limits presidential terms and requires candidates to have Gabonese lineage, disqualifying former leader Ali Bongo. Critics express concern over potential dictatorial power. The final results will be determined by the constitutional court, amid significant public interest in governance and economic issues.
Gabon’s military leadership announced that a new constitution received overwhelming approval in a recent referendum. According to provisional results released on Sunday, approximately 91.8 percent of the registered voters supported the constitution, which proposes limiting presidential terms to a maximum of two seven-year terms and eliminating the position of prime minister. In contrast, voter turnout was reported at 53.54 percent, significantly lower than initial expectations.
The military junta, which came to power after a coup in August 2023, emphasized the importance of voter participation through extensive media campaigns. However, critics argued that the campaign largely reflected official propaganda, raising concerns about transparency. The government maintained security throughout the voting process, which reportedly occurred without serious incidents in any of the 2,835 polling stations nationwide.
Key provisions of the new constitution stipulate that presidential candidates must have a Gabonese parent and spouse, thereby disqualifying the previous ruler, Ali Bongo Ondimba. The transitional president, Brice Oligui Nguema, praised the referendum as a significant advance for the nation and expressed his desire to restore civilian governance in approximately two years.
Despite an atmosphere of support, some citizens expressed skepticism regarding the legitimacy of the process. Critics, including lawyer Marlene Fabienne Essola Efountame, argued that the constitution serves to entrench dictatorial power rather than enable democratic governance. This sentiment stems from the historical context of long-standing authoritarian rule in Gabon, which had persisted under Bongo for 14 years following his father’s four-decade reign.
Concerns about socio-economic issues remain prevalent among the populace, with unemployment identified as a primary concern. Recent surveys indicate that a majority of citizens believe the country is progressing positively, with substantial public confidence in Oligui. Nonetheless, anxieties about governance and public services endure, posing potential challenges for any incoming administration. The final results of the referendum will be confirmed by the constitutional court, lending an additional layer of scrutiny to the electoral outcome.
Gabon has experienced a turbulent political climate, marked by a military coup that ousted long-standing President Ali Bongo Ondimba in August 2023. This coup followed allegations of electoral fraud and systemic corruption within Bongo’s administration. The military leaders have positioned themselves as transitional rulers, promising a return to civilian governance while advancing a new constitutional framework. The referendum on this constitution represents a critical juncture in Gabon’s governance structure, influencing future elections and the political landscape. Citizens are expressing mixed sentiments about the legitimacy of the process, and historical trends of authoritarian rule cast a shadow over the new constitutional proposals.
The preliminary results of Gabon’s constitutional referendum reflect significant public support for a new governance framework proposed by the military junta. While the high approval rate raises hopes for a transformative political future, concerns remain regarding transparency and the concentration of power. Gabon’s path toward democratic governance is contingent on how the final results are received, and the military’s commitment to returning power to civilians within the stipulated timeframe. The socio-economic landscape continues to challenge public confidence in new leadership amid ongoing issues such as unemployment and declining living conditions.
Original Source: www.tiogapublishing.com
