Gabon Reports Overwhelming Approval for New Constitution in Referendum

Gabonese authorities announced preliminary results indicating that 91.8 percent of voters supported a new constitution that limits presidential terms. The voter turnout was reported at 53.54 percent. The proposed constitution aims to ensure that candidates are solely Gabonese citizens. Transitions from a military regime to civilian governance are anticipated, although concerns about potential authoritarianism linger among critics.

The military authorities in Gabon announced that the new constitution had received overwhelming support in a recent referendum. Provisional results indicated that 91.8 percent of voters approved the constitution, which establishes a presidency limited to two consecutive seven-year terms and eliminates the position of prime minister. Registered voters, totaling approximately 860,000, were encouraged through multiple media sources to participate, using green ballots for “yes” and red for “no.”

Voter turnout was reported at 53.54 percent, lower than earlier estimates of 71 percent from Gabon TV. No major incidents were noted during the voting process, which occurred at 2,835 polling stations. The junta, which extended a curfew during the electoral period, has positioned this referendum as a way to progress post-coup, following the overthrow of Ali Bongo Ondimba last year.

The proposed constitution mandates that presidential candidates must be Gabonese, disqualifying former leader Ali Bongo, who is married to a foreigner. Transitional President Brice Oligui Nguema heralded the vote as a significant advance, emphasizing the transparency of the electoral process. However, skepticism remains regarding the genuineness of the referendum, with some questioning whether the initiative functions as a facade for Oligui’s presidential ambitions.

Polling took place in a controlled environment, with military personnel overseeing the security of the electorate. Some voters expressed support for the junta, despite admitting to limited knowledge of the full constitutional text. Critics have labeled the proposed changes as a blueprint for autocracy, cautioning that they would effectively secure power for the ruling junta.

Amidst higher-than-average public satisfaction regarding the nation’s direction, unemployment and economic distress are primary concerns among citizens. With the final vote count forthcoming from the constitutional court, public confidence in President Oligui remains relatively high, positioning him favorably for an upcoming presidential election in 2025.

Gabon is an oil-rich Central African nation that has seen political upheaval following the coup that toppled Ali Bongo Ondimba in August 2023. The junta has crafted a new constitution aiming to redefine the political landscape, notably by limiting presidential terms and stipulating eligibility criteria for candidates. This referendum marks an important moment for the country as it seeks to create a political environment that discourages dynastic transfers of power and seeks to restore civilian governance.

The provisional results of Gabon’s referendum indicate strong public endorsement for a new constitution aimed at restructuring the political landscape. While the military regime promotes the changes as progressive, critics express concern that it may entrench authoritarian rule. Voter turnout and satisfaction levels reflect broader public anxieties over economic issues as the nation anticipates future elections. The introduction of this constitution is a critical step in the country’s transitional governance.

Original Source: www.tiogapublishing.com