Gabon Referendum Indicates Overwhelming Support for New Constitution
Gabon’s military regime announced that a new constitution has been approved in a referendum, with 91.8% voting in favor. The constitution proposes term limits for the presidency and eligibility criteria aimed at preventing former leaders from returning to power. However, critics argue that the proposals could facilitate authoritarian rule. The election saw a turnout of 53.54%, lower than expected, and voter confidence remains a topic of concern amid ongoing economic issues.
Gabon’s military leadership has declared that a new constitution has received overwhelming approval in a recent referendum, with provisional results indicating a 91.8 percent approval rate among voters. Authorities had urged approximately 860,000 registered voters to participate, indicating their preferences through designated colored ballots: green for ‘yes’ and red for ‘no.’ The new constitutional framework proposes a presidency limited to two seven-year terms, omitting the role of a prime minister and forbidding any hereditary transfers of power.
Despite official campaigns pressuring citizens to vote, reported turnout was 53.54 percent, lower than earlier estimates of 71 percent provided by Gabon TV. Notably, the referendum’s voting process remained largely peaceful, conducted across 2,835 polling stations that operated until 6:00 PM. A nighttime curfew was extended to midnight to ensure security during the electoral process, as relayed through state media.
The proposed constitution stipulates that presidential candidates must be exclusively Gabonese with at least one Gabon-born parent and a Gabonese spouse, effectively barring former leader Ali Bongo Ondimba from future candidacy due to his foreign marriage. Transitional President Brice Oligui Nguema, while expressing optimism about the referendum, indicated his ambitions for the upcoming presidential election in August 2025.
During the voting process, some voters expressed their support for the junta’s reforms without fully comprehending the constitution’s intricacies. Criticism emerged from opponents who labeled the proposals as mechanisms for potential dictatorship. Critics argue that the changes are specifically designed to consolidate power within the military regime, which remains unpopular after previously ruling under allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
The Interior Ministry asserted that measures were in place to maintain the transparency of the referendum, including the invitation of international observers, who were absent in earlier elections. Many respondents from polls indicated a belief in positive national progression under the junta’s governance, yet concerns about unemployment, healthcare, road conditions, security, and cost of living were prevalent. Approximately 46 percent exhibited strong confidence in President Oligui, signifying his frontrunner status for any upcoming elections.
In recent history, Gabon has undergone significant political upheaval, most notably through a military coup that ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba, who had governed since 2009 following the death of his father, Omar Bongo. The military, assuming governance, has emphasized reform, notably through a proposed constitutional change aimed at redefining the power structure within the nation. This referendum represents a critical juncture for Gabon as it seeks to establish a more stable political framework after a period of volatility characterized by allegations of corruption and electoral fraud.
The recent referendum in Gabon, which saw overwhelming support for a new constitution, marks a pivotal moment for the country, potentially reshaping its political landscape. While the junta promotes a vision of democratic governance, critics caution that the changes could entrench authoritarianism. As Gabon prepares for future elections, the balance between civilian leadership and military influence remains a crucial concern for observers and citizens alike.
Original Source: www.tiogapublishing.com
