Gabon’s military rulers announced that provisional results of a referendum indicate overwhelming support for a new constitution. Approximately 91.8 percent of voters backed the changes, which introduce term limits and exclude foreign connections for presidential candidates. However, concerns persist regarding the potential creation of an authoritarian regime as the junta promotes the new governance framework amid a backdrop of prior corruption accusations.
The military government in Gabon declared the overwhelming approval of a new constitution through provisional results published on Sunday, signaling a significant development for the oil-rich nation. Approximately 860,000 registered voters were urged by authorities via various media platforms to participate, with a ballot choice of green for ‘yes’ and red for ‘no.’ The constitution limits presidencies to two seven-year terms, abolishes the prime minister position, and prohibits dynastic succession.
Provisional results indicate that 91.8 percent of the electorate endorsed the new constitution, as reported by the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI). Voter turnout was recorded at 53.54 percent, lower than earlier reports of 71 percent. The polling process witnessed no major incidents across 2,835 polling stations, which were open until 6:00 pm. A night curfew was implemented by the junta to maintain order throughout the voting period.
The new constitutional proposals mandate that presidential candidates must be exclusively Gabonese, requiring at least one Gabonese parent and a Gabonese spouse. This requirement disqualifies former President Ali Bongo Ondimba, married to a French citizen, along with his children. Transitional President Brice Oligui Nguema hailed the referendum as a major advancement while asserting his intention to return power to civilians after a two-year transition, despite aspirations for the presidential election in August 2025.
The election campaign has been characterized by extensive official support for a ‘yes’ vote, prompting local media inquiries about whether the referendum was, in essence, a presidential campaign. Voters, including civil servant Nathalie Badzoko, reported supporting the junta, though she admitted she had not fully perused the constitution’s 173 articles. Critics, such as lawyer Marlene Fabienne Essola Efountame, suggest that the constitution serves to entrench dictatorial power.
The previous ruler, Bongo, maintained authority for 14 years until being deposed following a contested election. His administration faced accusations of corruption and ineffective governance. The Ministry of Interior assured efforts were made to ensure a transparent referendum process, having invited international observers absent during prior elections.
An Afrobarometer survey indicated that nearly 87 percent of respondents believe Gabon is heading in a positive direction, with unemployment being the primary concern. The survey also revealed that over 46 percent of individuals expressed considerable confidence in Oligui, who is currently seen as a leading candidate should a presidential election occur now.
Gabon, an oil-rich nation, is undergoing a political transformation following last year’s military coup. The approval of a new constitution is believed to redefine presidential powers, curtailing dynastic rule while establishing stringent eligibility standards for candidates. The political landscape remains charged, as the military government promotes the upcoming referendum through various channels while addressing public concerns regarding governance and corruption. This period is also characterized by uncertainty about the future political climate as civilians await a return to democracy.
The recent referendum in Gabon marks a pivotal moment as the new constitution, favorably received by an overwhelming majority, aims to restructure presidential governance and eliminate dynastic succession. While the military government asserts its commitment to a return to civilian rule, it simultaneously faces skepticism from critics about potential authoritarianism. Future developments will be closely monitored as Gabon navigates its path toward political stabilization and development.
Original Source: www.tiogapublishing.com
