Gabon held a referendum on Saturday regarding a new constitution, hailed by the ruling junta as a significant turning point after the coup that ended the 55-year rule by the Bongo family. Encouraging participation among its 860,000 registered voters, the junta’s campaign emphasized the importance of making their votes count. With polls open until 6 PM, transitional President Oligui Nguema marked the day as a historic occasion.
On Saturday, Gabon conducted a referendum to adopt a new constitution, which the ruling junta has labeled a “major turning point” in the nation’s governance following the recent military coup that ousted the Bongo family after 55 years of rule. The referendum, which involves 860,000 registered voters, has seen a vigorous campaign urging participation, with citizens directed to cast ballots marked in green for “yes” or red for “no.” Polling progressed throughout the day, even experiencing delays at several stations in the capital, Libreville, including the Lycee Leon M’Ba school, which continued to distribute ballots shortly after the scheduled opening at 7:00 AM. With 2,835 polling stations available, the voting period was set to run until 6:00 PM. Transitional President General Brice Oligui Nguema emphasized the significance of the day, declaring on social media, “We have a date with history,” as he encouraged citizen engagement in this pivotal moment for Gabon.
Gabon has been under the Bongo dynasty’s control since 1967, creating a significant historical context for the military coup that occurred in 2023. The overthrow was marked by widespread dissatisfaction with the ruling family, leading to a demand for change and a restructuring of governance. This constitutional referendum represents an important step in the junta’s efforts to redefine the political landscape and engage the populace in the future direction of their nation. The referendum is indicative of the leadership’s intent to stabilize governance and initiate reforms that reflect the will of the people after decades of autocratic rule.
The constitutional referendum in Gabon signifies a crucial juncture following the military coup that dismantled the Bongo family’s extensive rule. The junta’s emphasis on the referendum as a “turning point” illustrates their aim to reshape the nation’s governance and involves the active participation of the electorate. Given the prevailing political climate and massive propaganda efforts, the turnout and outcome of this referendum will be instrumental in defining Gabon’s future trajectory and the legitimacy of the ruling authorities.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
