Gabon Conducts Referendum on New Constitution Amid Political Upheaval

Gabon held a constitutional referendum on Saturday, deemed a major turning point by the ruling junta following a military coup that removed the Bongo dynasty from power after 55 years. The government encouraged participation among the 860,000 registered voters amid a campaign focused on official messaging. Polls opened in Libreville, though some stations experienced delays in distributing ballots, highlighting ongoing logistical challenges in the electoral process.

On Saturday, Gabon conducted a referendum to vote on a new constitution, which the ruling military junta deems a pivotal moment for the nation. This event occurred following a coup that ousted the Bongo family, which had governed Gabon for an extensive period of 55 years, specifically from 1967 to 2023. The government has actively encouraged the approximately 860,000 registered voters through various media channels, urging them to ensure their voices are heard, regardless of whether they submit a green “yes” or red “no” ballot. The electoral process commenced with some polling locations in the capital, Libreville, experiencing delays in dispensing ballot papers. Specifically, the Lycee Leon M’Ba school continued to distribute green and red ballots even after the designated opening time of 7:00 AM. Additionally, with a total of 2,835 polling stations scheduled to operate until 6:00 PM, the effectiveness of the campaign’s push for voter turnout remains a focal point for local media observers.

The backdrop to this referendum is marked by significant political upheaval in Gabon, as the country recently witnessed a military coup that ended the longstanding rule of the Bongo dynasty, known for its control over the nation’s substantial oil resources. Following the coup, the junta has positioned the constitutional referendum as a step towards establishing a new political landscape in Gabon, reflecting a departure from the previous regime and an opportunity for the citizens to reshape their governance. This referendum not only seeks to gauge public sentiment but also aims to legitimize the transitional military leadership in the eyes of both the populace and the international community.

The recent constitutional referendum in Gabon represents a critical juncture for the country’s political future, as the junta seeks to reaffirm its authority following the coup that ended decades of Bongo family rule. With widespread efforts to mobilize voter participation and an emphasis on this event’s significance, the outcome of the referendum will profoundly influence Gabon’s governance and the potential path towards a democratic transition. It remains imperative to monitor voter turnout and public response as this situation continues to unfold.

Original Source: www.scmp.com