Gabon’s Referendum Shows Strong Support for New Constitution

Gabonese voters overwhelmingly approved a new constitution with 91.8 percent support in a referendum. The new constitution limits presidential terms and mandates that candidates be exclusively Gabonese, disqualifying former leader Ali Bongo Ondimba. Voter turnout was reported at 53.54 percent, with the junta asserting that the electoral process was conducted transparently. Critics argue that these changes favor the current military regime and could lead to autocratic governance.

Gabon’s military authorities reported that a newly proposed constitution has received overwhelming support in a recent referendum. According to provisional results, 91.8 percent of voters approved the new constitutional framework, calling for a maximum of two seven-year presidential terms, the elimination of a prime minister, and restrictions on the transfer of power to prevent dynastic succession. Voter turnout was reported at 53.54 percent, lower than earlier estimates.

The referendum campaign faced heavy promotion from the ruling junta, which has been in power since a coup last August. Citizens were encouraged to participate by casting ballots, either green for “yes” or red for “no”, across 2,835 polling stations which stayed open until 6:00 PM without major incidents. The military junta has imposed a curfew in a bid to ensure a secure electoral process.

The proposed constitution mandates that candidates for presidency must be Gabonese citizens with at least one Gabonese parent and a Gabonese spouse. This condition notably disqualifies the former president, Ali Bongo Ondimba, and his descendants. Current transitional president, Brice Oligui Nguema, emphasized the referendum as a significant advancement for Gabon during his voting at a Libreville school.

Contrarily, critics argue that the constitution is tailored to consolidate power within the ruling junta, branding it as a pathway to dictatorial governance. Legal experts have expressed concerns that it serves the interests of current leaders rather than the Gabonese populace. Notably, public sentiment revealed 87 percent believing the country is on the right track, yet unemployment remains a major worry, alongside health and rising living costs.

International observers were absent for the recent presidential elections, yet the interior ministry pledged transparency for this referendum, hoping to regain public trust in the electoral process. The final results are expected to be confirmed by the constitutional court shortly. The upcoming presidential election scheduled for August 2025 will also greatly influence Gabon’s political landscape.

Gabon, an oil-rich nation in Central Africa, has undergone significant political upheaval following a military coup that ousted long-term leader Ali Bongo Ondimba in August 2023. Since then, the ruling junta has pushed for constitutional reforms to reshape governance and limit presidential tenure. The recent referendum signifies a pivotal moment for Gabon as it aims to balance military and civilian authority, especially with the promise of returning to civilian rule following the transition period. Public sentiment demonstrates trust in current leadership despite ongoing socio-economic challenges such as unemployment and the cost of living.

The approval of Gabon’s new constitution with 91.8 percent backing reflects a substantial public endorsement for the military-led government amid calls for reform. However, skepticism remains regarding the implications of the proposed regulations which may entrench a dictatorial structure. The potential for a return to civilian rule in the upcoming 2025 elections remains crucial as citizens navigate the intersection of governance and economic stability.

Original Source: www.tiogapublishing.com