Gabon recently conducted a referendum on a new constitution following a military coup that ended 55 years of Bongo family rule. The ruling junta has framed this vote as a pivotal moment for the nation, urging high voter turnout. Polls opened at 7:00 AM, and transitional President Brice Oligui Nguema emphasized the referendum’s historical importance.
On Saturday, Gabon held a significant referendum on a new constitution, which the ruling junta regards as a crucial step following the military coup that ended over half a century of Bongo family rule. With approximately 860,000 registered voters, the authorities have actively encouraged citizen participation, urging voters to make their voices heard by casting either a green ballot for “yes” or a red ballot for “no.” The campaign has been characterized largely by state-sponsored messaging, which has prompted local media to highlight that voter turnout may play a pivotal role in this historic vote. Polling commenced in Libreville with delays reported at various locations, including the Lycee Leon M’Ba school, where ballots were still being distributed as polls opened at 7:00 AM. The 2,835 polling stations are scheduled to stay open until 6:00 PM. In a call to action, transitional President General Brice Oligui Nguema stated on social media, “We have a date with history,” presenting himself with a voting card in hand to emphasize the referendum’s importance.
The political landscape in Gabon has undergone dramatic changes following a military coup that ousted the long-serving Bongo regime, which had maintained power since 1967. The significance of the recent constitutional referendum lies in its potential to reshape governance in Gabon and provide a new framework for the country’s future. The junta’s portrayal of the referendum as a “turning point” reflects their intention to forge a new political identity and mandate, while simultaneously garnering public support amid international scrutiny.
The recent constitutional referendum in Gabon represents a critical juncture for the nation as it seeks to redefine its governance following decades of autocratic rule. The ruling junta’s emphasis on public participation reflects an attempt to legitimize its authority, while the outcome of the vote will ultimately shape the future political landscape of Gabon. Voter turnout is anticipated to be a key determinant in the referendum’s success, providing insight into the public’s sentiment towards this significant political shift.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
