Gabon Announces Overwhelming Support for New Constitution in Referendum
Gabon’s military rulers announced that provisional results show 91.8 percent support for a newly proposed constitution in a referendum. The constitution limits presidential terms and candidate eligibility. Despite a reported voter turnout of 53.54 percent, critics question the constitution’s intent. Observers await the final results from the constitutional court amid concerns about governance and economic issues.
Gabon’s military authorities have reported that a new constitution was overwhelmingly approved in a recent referendum, according to provisional results released on Sunday. Approximately 860,000 registered voters were encouraged through media campaigns to participate and cast their votes, with green ballots indicating “yes” and red ones indicating “no.” The new constitution proposes a presidency limited to two seven-year terms and excludes any prime minister role or dynastic succession.
The provisional results indicate that 91.8 percent of participants supported the new constitution, as stated by the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI). While the interior ministry reported a voter turnout of 53.54 percent, this was notably lower than the 71 percent initially suggested by local broadcaster Gabon TV. Voting occurred without significant incidents at 2,835 polling stations, which operated until 6:00 PM.
The proposed constitution stipulates that presidential candidates must be solely Gabonese, requiring at least one Gabon-born parent and a Gabonese spouse. This specification disqualifies former president Ali Bongo Ondimba, whose family ties extend beyond Gabon. Transitional President Brice Oligui Nguema hailed the referendum as a significant advancement while pledging to return governance to civilians after a two-year transitional period, despite ambition to win the upcoming presidential election in 2025.
As voters queued to cast their votes, security was managed by military personnel ensuring a safe electoral environment. Some citizens expressed support for the junta, despite limited familiarity with the constitution’s full details. Conversely, critics argue that the constitution favors the ruling military’s continued dominance, with concerns of creating a potential dictatorship.
The interior ministry worked to ensure transparency during the electoral process, extending invitations for international observers. The outcome of the referendum awaits final confirmation from the constitutional court. A recent Afrobarometer survey reflected that nearly 87 percent of respondents believe the country is moving positively, though unemployment remains a primary concern alongside health, infrastructure, security, and rising living costs.
The recent referendum in Gabon represents a pivotal moment for the country’s governance structure, particularly following the military coup in August 2023 that ousted former President Ali Bongo Ondimba. This new constitution aims to reshape the presidency and establish a framework that limits terms and clarifies candidate eligibility. The socio-political context includes concerns regarding corruption and governance under Bongo. The transitional military government seeks to legitimize its authority and transition back to civilian rule while addressing citizens’ pressing concerns, such as unemployment and economic stability.
In conclusion, the provisional results of Gabon’s referendum indicate overwhelming support for a newly proposed constitution, reflecting a collective desire for change following the military takeover. While the constitution is aimed at promoting more transparent leadership, skepticism remains about its potential to facilitate genuine democratic governance. The transitional government must honor the electoral process and the voters’ expectations to avoid further disillusionment among the citizens.
Original Source: www.tiogapublishing.com
