Gabon’s Referendum Results Indicate Support for New Constitution

Preliminary results reveal that 91.8% of voters approved Gabon’s new constitution, which limits presidential terms and forbids dynastic power transfer. Despite significant state propaganda, voter turnout was 53.54%. Critics express concerns over potential authoritarianism under the junta, while some citizens express trust in the transitional leadership. The final results will be confirmed by the constitutional court, prompting essential considerations for Gabon’s political future.

Gabon’s military leaders announced that a new constitution has been overwhelmingly approved by voters in a recent referendum, based on provisional results released on Sunday. With approximately 860,000 registered voters, the authorities made strong appeals through various media platforms, urging participation in the election, where voters could choose a green ballot for “yes” and a red one for “no.” The new constitution outlines a presidential term limit of two seven-year terms, eliminates the prime minister position, and forbids dynastic succession.

The referendum represents a significant development in Gabon, an oil-rich nation that experienced a military coup in August 2023, which overthrew former President Ali Bongo Ondimba. The proposed constitution restricts eligibility for the presidency to individuals with Gabonese parentage and spouse, preventing Bongo and his progeny from returning to power. Citizens’ response to the referendum is crucial, reflecting a potential shift towards a more democratic governance system, despite concerns over the junta’s influence and intentions regarding future elections.

In conclusion, the provisional results indicate strong public support for the new constitution in Gabon, amid a climate of control and manipulation by the ruling junta. While transitional President Brice Oligui Nguema heralds this as progress, critics argue that the new structure may pave the way for authoritarianism. As Gabon moves forward, continued scrutiny of the election process and governance is imperative.

Original Source: www.tiogapublishing.com