Gabon’s Referendum Indicates Strong Support for New Constitution

Gabon announced provisional results showing overwhelming voter support for a new constitution, with 91.8 percent in favor. The proposed constitution limits presidential terms and prohibits candidates with foreign spouses. Voter turnout was reported at 53.54 percent, and while officials hailed the referendum, critics voiced concerns about potential dictatorship. Public opinion reflects a mix of confidence in Oligui’s leadership and ongoing socioeconomic challenges.

Gabon’s military government has revealed that a substantial majority of voters supported a new constitution in a recent referendum, with provisional results indicating 91.8 percent approval. This shift signifies a pivotal moment for the oil-dependent nation, as approximately 860,000 registered voters were urged to participate in the process to make their voices heard. Ballots were categorized with green indicating acceptance and red signifying rejection of the proposed constitution.

The new constitution proposes a two-term limit of seven years for the presidency, lacks a prime minister position, and prohibits dynastic succession. These changes would prevent the ousted president Ali Bongo Ondimba from regaining power, as it also requires candidates to possess specific Gabonese heritage. Despite a lower reported voter turnout of 53.54 percent, the interior ministry emphasized that the referendum was conducted without significant incidents across 2,835 polling sites nationwide.

Transitional President Brice Oligui Nguema, who took power following the August 2022 coup, emphasized the importance of this referendum, characterizing it as a major advancement for Gabon. Oligui, who appears to be positioning himself for the upcoming 2025 presidential elections, has attracted attention with campaigns promoting a favorable vote for the new constitution. Meanwhile, criticisms have arisen regarding the referendum’s credibility due to the overwhelming influence of the junta on the campaign.

Voters expressed mixed feelings about the referendum, with some displaying trust in the military leadership while others raised concerns about the constitution being designed to guarantee prolonged control by Oligui. Public opinion surveys indicated a minority considered the proposed constitution could facilitate dictatorial governance. Issues such as unemployment and rising living costs remain prevalent concerns among the population, despite many expressing confidence in the direction of the country.

This article discusses the recent referendum in Gabon regarding a proposed new constitution, which reflects a broader political transition within the country following the military coup that ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba. The changes aim to reshape political power dynamics by establishing presidential term limits and excluding those with foreign marriages from candidacy. Voter turnout and the legitimacy of the process have been focal points of discourse, considering the junta’s propaganda throughout the campaign.

The provisional results from Gabon indicate robust support for the new constitution, aiming to establish political reforms such as term limits for presidency and banning certain candidates. Election turnout, while lower than expected, has highlighted public sentiments toward the junta’s governance. As transitional President Oligui positions himself for future elections, skepticism remains among voters regarding the potential for continued autocratic governance, alongside pressing economic issues like unemployment and inflation.

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