Preliminary results from Gabon’s referendum show overwhelming approval of a new constitution, with about 91.8 percent voting ‘yes’. The proposed changes include two-term limits for the presidency and banned dynastic succession. While voter turnout was lower than expected, the military junta claims the vote reflects a substantial public mandate for reform amid challenges following Bongo’s regime.
Gabon’s military authorities announced that preliminary results from a recent referendum indicate overwhelming support for a new constitution, with 91.8 percent of voters in favor. The voting process engaged approximately 860,000 registered voters, who were encouraged via various media platforms to participate by casting either a green ballot for ‘yes’ or a red one for ‘no’.
The newly developed constitution envisions a presidency limited to two seven-year terms, eliminates the role of a prime minister, and prohibits dynastic succession. This reflects a significant shift in Gabonese governance after years of ruling under Ali Bongo Ondimba, who was deposed in a coup last year.
Interior officials reported a voter turnout of approximately 53.54 percent, which is notably lower than expected compared to earlier estimates. Voting took place across 2,835 stations, and the process occurred without any significant disturbances, although heightened security measures remained in effect.
The new constitutional proposals restrict presidential candidates to those born in Gabon, insisting that they possess at least one Gabonese parent and a Gabonese spouse. As a result, this provision disqualifies former president Ali Bongo Ondimba, married to a French woman. Transitional president Brice Oligui Nguema characterized the referendum as a critical advancement for the nation.
While Oligui expressed his desire to transition back to civilian rule within two years, he has also shown aspirations to participate in the forthcoming presidential election set for August 2025. This political climate raises questions regarding the legitimacy of the referendum amidst accusations that the military junta is manipulating the process to secure authority.
As voters participated in the referendum, concerns about the potential establishment of a dictatorial regime surfaced. Local lawyer Marlene Fabienne Essola Efountame criticized the new constitution as a tool crafted to serve the interests of the current military leadership.
The transition of power followed widespread accusations of corruption and misgovernance against Bongo’s regime, who ruled for 14 years until being ousted. Gabonese citizens raised issues such as unemployment, healthcare, and inflation as primary concerns affecting their lives.
The Ministry of Interior emphasized efforts made toward ensuring the referendum’s transparency, including the invitation of international observers, even when their presence was lacking in prior elections. Preliminary surveys indicate that that a majority of the population supports the military authorities and believes the country is on the right path.
The context of this referendum arises from the military coup that led to the removal of Ali Bongo Ondimba, a ruler whose tenure was marred by allegations of corruption and poor governance. The newly proposed constitution aims to redefine the powers of the presidency and establish regulations to prevent dynastic rule, signaling a potential shift toward democratization in Gabon. The military junta, now in power, has taken steps to consolidate its position while promising to return governance to civilian hands in the near future, having been in power since August 2023.
In summary, Gabon’s recent referendum appears to indicate substantial public backing for a new constitution spearheaded by military authorities. While the junta presents the initiative as a step toward reform, critics express concerns regarding the possible entrenchment of authoritarian control. Voter turnout and the legitimacy of the referendum process remain points of discussion as Gabon moves forward amid political transitions amidst economic challenges.
Original Source: www.tiogapublishing.com
