Gabonese Voters Show Overwhelming Support for Proposed Constitution

Provisional results from Gabon’s referendum indicate 91.8 percent approval for a new constitution establishing a maximum of two presidential terms. Approximately 860,000 registered voters participated, with a turnout of 53.54 percent. The new constitution disqualifies the former president and aims to eliminate nepotism in governance. Concerns persist regarding the military junta’s influence and commitment to restoring democracy.

Gabon’s military leaders announced provisional results from a recent referendum indicating significant approval for a new constitution. The results reveal that 91.8 percent of voters supported the new document, which establishes a maximum of two seven-year presidential terms, eliminates the position of prime minister, and prevents any hereditary transfer of power. Approximately 860,000 registered voters participated, with a reported turnout of 53.54 percent, lower than earlier estimates.

The change in constitution marks a pivotal point for Gabon, which is known for its oil resources. No significant incidents were reported during voting, which was conducted at 2,835 polling stations. Voter engagement was encouraged through various channels, including TV and social media, prompting citizens to actively participate in the electoral process.

The newly proposed constitution stipulates that presidential candidates must be Gabonese citizens, which would disqualify former leader Ali Bongo Ondimba and his descendants, as he is married to a French national. Transitional president Brice Oligui Nguema expressed optimism about the referendum as a substantial advancement for the nation. He acknowledged this moment while voting in Libreville, wearing civilian attire, indicating a conscious move away from military representation.

Campaign activities largely consisted of government propaganda, raising questions about the referendum’s legitimacy and whether it served as a disguise for a presidential campaign. Many voters, including civil servants, expressed faith in the junta while voicing limited understanding of the constitutional text, with some experts criticizing the new draft as self-serving for the junta leaders.

The referendum’s success is seen as necessary for stability in a nation previously marred by allegations of corruption and poor governance. While some citizens maintain faith in the electoral process, others express skepticism about the junta’s commitment to democratic transition. The final results will be confirmed by the constitutional court, as Gabonese citizens await clarity on their future under the newly proposed governance structure.

Gabon has undergone significant political changes following a military coup that ousted former President Ali Bongo Ondimba. Authorities are keen to establish a new governance framework, reflected in the proposed constitution, which aims to redefine presidential powers and eligibility. This referendum is viewed as a critical step toward restoring credibility and trust in the electoral process, which has faced criticism in the past due to allegations of fraud and mismanagement under the previous regime.

The overwhelming support for Gabon’s new constitution, as indicated by provisional results from the recent referendum, signals a potential shift towards a more stable governance structure. However, concerns regarding the legitimacy of the electoral process and the junta’s intentions remain prevalent among citizens. With the transitional leadership aiming to restore civilian rule by 2025, Gabon’s political landscape is under scrutiny as the nation strives for reform and transparency in governance.

Original Source: www.tiogapublishing.com