Gabon Referendum Results Indicate Strong Support for New Constitution

Gabon’s military leaders declared that a new constitution received overwhelming approval in a referendum, with 91.8 percent backing it. The new constitution establishes presidential term limits and disqualifies candidates with foreign spouses. Voter turnout was reported at 53.54 percent amid concerns of official propaganda and potential autocratic tendencies. Transitional President Oligui Nguema characterized the event as a significant progress for the nation, despite opposition voices cautioning against the creation of dictatorship.

Gabon’s military leaders announced that a new constitution was overwhelmingly approved in a recent referendum, as per provisional results published on Sunday. This marks a significant transition for the country, rich in oil resources, with approximately 860,000 registered voters having received extensive encouragement from authorities through various media outlets to participate in the voting process. Voters could either indicate support with a green ballot or dissent with a red one.

The newly proposed constitution introduces a limit of two seven-year terms for the presidency, eliminates the role of prime minister, and prevents dynastic succession of power. The Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) reported that 91.8 percent of ballots favored the new constitution, despite previous reports estimating voter turnout at only 53.54 percent. This turnout was notably lower than an earlier 71 percent, raising concerns about voter engagement amid significant propaganda from the ruling junta.

Polling was conducted smoothly across 2,835 voting stations, with no major incidents reported. Interestingly, the military junta extended a nighttime curfew by two hours to midnight for the duration of the electoral process. In addition to electoral rules, the new constitution mandates that presidential candidates must be exclusively Gabonese, which may disqualify former ruler Ali Bongo Ondimba due to his French marriage.

Transitional President Brice Oligui Nguema characterized the referendum as a monumental advancement while casting his vote at a school in Libreville. He expresses confidence in the voting process while being mindful of the junta’s prominent presence during campaigning, leading to questions about the fairness of the referendum versus a political campaign.

Voters in Libreville congregated at polling stations under military supervision, with many expressing trust in the junta, even if they had not thoroughly reviewed the constitutional text. Critics argue that the referendum is crafted to strengthen the junta’s power, raising red flags about potential autocracy: “We are creating a dictator who designs the constitution for himself,” stated lawyer Marlene Fabienne Essola Efountame.

Ali Bongo Ondimba’s earlier administration faced accusations of corruption and misgovernance, leading to his abrupt ousting following a contested election. While the junta reports efforts to maintain transparency in the referendum, some citizens remain skeptical and demand accountability after recent electoral events. A survey reveals that nearly 87 percent of respondents feel that the country is on the right path, though notable concerns about unemployment, healthcare, infrastructure, and rising living costs persist, with over 46 percent expressing strong confidence in Oligui’s leadership.

The ongoing political situation in Gabon follows a coup that removed former President Ali Bongo Ondimba from power. His administration was marred by accusations of corruption and fraudulent electoral practices, resulting in significant public dissatisfaction. In an attempt to reshape governance, the military junta has introduced a new constitution, which seeks to revise the parameters for presidential eligibility and power dynamics within the government. The introduction of a new constitutional framework is viewed as a means to stabilize the country and redirect public trust. The referendum that took place serves as a crucial milestone in determining the future political landscape of Gabon, amidst continuing concerns surrounding transparency and democratic principles.

The recent referendum in Gabon resulted in overwhelming support for a new constitution, aiming to redefine the country’s presidential framework and restore credibility to governance. The military junta’s predominant influence during the campaign raises questions about the legitimacy of the voting process. While public sentiment appears cautiously optimistic, underlying concerns about autocratic governance and economic issues remain pervasive as the country navigates this critical juncture.

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