Gabon’s military rulers announced that provisional results indicate strong public support for a new constitution, with 91.8 percent voting in favor amidst a turnout of 53.54 percent. The constitution introduces limits on presidential term lengths and stipulations regarding candidates’ ancestry. Critics fear it is designed to solidify power for the current junta leader. The final confirmation of results will be determined by the constitutional court.
The military regime of Gabon has declared that a new constitution has received overwhelming support in a recently conducted referendum, according to provisional results released on Sunday. Facing a backdrop of extensive promotional campaigns on various media orchestrated by the authorities, approximately 860,000 registered voters participated in the referendum, where a “green” vote indicated approval and a “red” vote indicated disapproval. The proposed constitution stipulates two maximum seven-year presidential terms, abolishes the prime minister’s role, and prohibits dynastic succession in governance.
Provisional figures from the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) indicated that 91.8 percent of voters endorsed the new constitution, despite a reported turnout of 53.54 percent, which fell short of earlier estimates. The election day was marked by a lack of major disturbances across the 2,835 polling stations, which remained operational until 6:00 PM. Additionally, a night curfew was extended to midnight by the junta during the electoral process.
Key features of the new constitution include requirements for presidential candidates to have at least one Gabonese parent and a Gabonese spouse, effectively disqualifying ex-ruler Ali Bongo Ondimba due to his foreign marriage. Transitional President Brice Oligui Nguema hailed the vote as a “great step forward,” while the junta has expressed intentions of restoring civilian rule, albeit with Oligui showing clear ambitions for the upcoming presidential election in August 2025.
Many Gabonese citizens, such as civil servant Nathalie Badzoko, expressed support for the “yes” vote, acknowledging trust in the junta despite limited familiarity with the constitution’s comprehensive articles. Conversely, critics, including lawyer Marlene Fabienne Essola Efountame, argue that the new constitution is designed to establish dictatorial control, raising concerns over the political future of the nation. Amidst the political discourse, public sentiments largely indicate optimism about the nation’s trajectory, with significant concerns related to unemployment and everyday living conditions.
International scrutiny has been relatively light, as observers were notably absent during the recent presidential election, and many Gabonese citizens assert they will hold the government accountable regarding respect for their votes. The final referendum results will be validated by the constitutional court.
Gabon has recently found itself under military rule following a coup in August 2023 that deposed long-time leader Ali Bongo Ondimba. Following the coup, the transitional government has sought legitimacy through a new constitution aimed at redefining political structures. The military rulers assert that this constitution will foster democratic governance and curb dynastic control, a significant issue in Gabon’s political history. Given that Bongo had been in power for over 14 years, citizens are hopeful for a shift in governance but remain wary due to the junta’s propaganda and measures like the extended night curfew.
The preliminary results from Gabon’s referendum suggest a substantial favor for a new constitution amidst a politically charged environment. While the current military government has positioned this constitution as a pathway towards enhanced democracy, skepticism remains concerning the junta’s intentions and the true impact on Gabon’s political landscape. Moving forward, vigilance will be essential among the Gabonese populace to ensure that their electoral rights and voices are respected in this transitional phase of governance.
Original Source: www.tiogapublishing.com