Gabonese voters approved a new constitution with 91.8 percent approval in a referendum, signifying a move towards democracy as stated by Interior Minister Hermann Immongault. Interim President General Brice Oligui Nguema views the vote as commitment to democratic transition expected by summer 2025. The new constitution enforces presidential term limits and eliminates the prime minister role, though it does not bar Nguema from candidacy, raising concerns.
Gabonese voters have overwhelmingly approved a new constitution, achieving a significant 91.8 percent yes vote, according to Interior Minister Hermann Immongault. This referendum was framed by the military junta as a crucial step towards democratic governance, with an estimated voter turnout of 53.5 percent. Interim President General Brice Oligui Nguema has hailed the result as evidence of the government’s commitment to a democratic transition, which is tentatively scheduled for the summer of 2025. The coup that brought the junta to power in August last year was met with general approval among the Gabonese population, largely due to dissatisfaction with former President Ali Bongo’s management of the nation’s oil resources, resulting in economic stagnation and widespread poverty. The new constitutional framework introduces a limit of two seven-year presidential terms and abolishes the position of prime minister while declaring French as the official working language of Gabon. Notably, the constitution does not prevent Nguema from possibly running for the presidency himself, raising some concerns among analysts regarding the junta’s intentions for genuine democratic reform.
The recent constitutional referendum in Gabon marks a pivotal moment in the country’s political landscape, following a military coup that ousted President Ali Bongo in August of the previous year. Expressing the public’s discontent with Bongo’s administration, which was criticized for its handling of Gabon’s oil wealth, the junta has positioned the new constitution as a framework for transitioning to democracy. This context is essential in understanding the significance of the referendum results and the implications for Gabon’s future governance.
The passage of the new constitution in Gabon, evidenced by a 91.8 percent approval rate, signifies a pivotal shift towards potential democratic governance following a military coup. While the constitution introduces critical reforms, including term limits for the presidency, the absence of restrictions on the interim president’s candidacy raises concerns over the junta’s true commitment to democracy. Therefore, the international community will closely monitor Gabon’s transition leading up to the anticipated electoral reforms in 2025.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
