Gabon Voters Approve New Constitution Amid Controversies and Concerns

Gabon’s military rulers announced that the new constitution received 91.8% approval in a recent referendum, which proposes term limits and disqualifies foreign spouses of presidential candidates. Voter turnout was recorded at 53.54%, lower than expected. The process was closely monitored amid concerns of legitimacy and potential dictatorial governance. Transitional president Oligui emphasized transparency in the electoral proceedings.

Gabon has reported that its new constitution received overwhelming approval, according to provisional results released by its military rulers. Approximately 860,000 registered voters were encouraged to participate, with the new constitution proposing a limit of two seven-year presidential terms, eliminating the position of prime minister and prohibiting power transfer within families. The results indicated that 91.8 percent of voters supported this shift. However, voter turnout was reported to be lower than initially anticipated, at 53.54 percent. The junta has warranted the referendum as a significant move towards establishing democratic governance in Gabon, as evidenced by the smooth electoral process with no major incidents.

The new constitution includes provisions that would restrict presidential candidates to individuals who are exclusively Gabonese citizens and have Gabonese spouses, effectively disqualifying previous leader Ali Bongo Ondimba due to his French marriage. Transitional president Brice Oligui Nguema praised the voting process’s transparency, despite concerns that the heavily government-backed campaign blurred the line between the referendum and a presidential campaign leading into the 2025 elections. Analysts worry that such a constitution could entrench autocratic governance under the guise of democratic reform.

The referendum’s timing followed a coup that ousted Ali Bongo, after a contentious election he was declared to have won. Allegations of corruption and poor governance plagued his administration. The military has expressed confidence in the electoral process, inviting international observers to ensure transparency. Despite public support for Oligui, as indicated by a recent survey, there are underlying concerns about unemployment and a rising cost of living, which remain prominent factors in public discourse.

The referendum regarding Gabon’s new constitution is set in the context of a military coup that occurred in August 2023, which displaced the long-standing Bongo dynasty after claims of electoral fraud. The military leadership, now asserting control, aims to redefine governance in Gabon through constitutional amendments that ostensibly promote transparency and limit presidential power. This process has been closely scrutinized given the controversial nature of the coup and the deep-rooted issues the country faces, including governance and economic unrest. The proposed constitution’s stipulations regarding candidates and familial ties indirectly target former leaders while also shaping the future electoral landscape in Gabon.

In summary, the preliminary results indicate a significant approval rate for Gabon’s new constitution, reflecting a desire for renewal within the political framework following the recent coup. While the junta asserts its commitment to a transparent electoral process, the implications of the new constitutional provisions raise concerns about future governance and the potential for authoritarianism. As Gabon navigates this transition, public sentiment suggests hope mixed with caution regarding economic and social issues.

Original Source: www.tiogapublishing.com