Gabon Votes to Approve New Constitution Amid Controversy

Provisional results in Gabon indicate strong voter support for a new constitution proposed by the military regime, receiving 91.8% approval in a referendum. The constitution sets a maximum of two seven-year presidential terms and disqualifies candidates with foreign spouses. Nonetheless, concerns linger regarding the junta’s control and the implications for governance. Voter turnout was reported at 53.54%, lower than anticipated, raising questions about the referendum’s legitimacy and transparency.

Gabon’s military rulers declared that their proposed new constitution has achieved overwhelming support in a recent referendum, as provisional results suggest. Approximately 860,000 registered voters were urged by authorities via various media to participate, with green ballots indicating approval and red ones signaling opposition. The new constitution envisions a presidential limit of two seven-year terms, eliminates the position of prime minister, and prohibits power passing through family ties.

The context of this referendum stems from the military takeover in Gabon in August 2023, which ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba amid allegations of corruption and election fraud. The junta, now led by transitional president Brice Oligui Nguema, has pledged to transition power back to civilian rule within two years, although there are concerns that the new constitutional changes benefit the junta’s leadership. The proposals aim to ensure that presidential candidates must have Gabonese roots, effectively disqualifying former leader Bongo.

The approval of Gabon’s new constitution, as proclaimed by the military junta, marks a significant moment for the nation. Despite a high rate of reported approval, skepticism remains regarding the junta’s motives and the true transparency of the electoral process. Observations about infrastructure and social issues, such as unemployment and healthcare, continue to weigh heavily on the minds of the Gabonese populace as they navigate this transition.

Original Source: www.tiogapublishing.com