Gabonese Voters Approve New Constitution Marking Step Toward Democracy

Gabonese voters have approved a new constitution with a 91.8% majority in a recent referendum, attended by about 53.5% of the electorate. The constitution introduces a two-term limit for presidents and abolishes the prime minister role. Interim President Nguema promotes this as a new phase towards democracy following a military coup last year, which was largely welcomed due to economic mismanagement by the previous leader.

LIBREVILLE: In a decisive move towards restructuring its political landscape, Gabonese voters have overwhelmingly supported a new constitution, registering a remarkable approval rate of 91.8 percent according to Interior Minister Hermann Immongault. This outcome was announced following a recent referendum, which the ruling junta has identified as a pivotal step toward re-establishing democratic governance. The turnout for the vote was approximately 53.5 percent, signaling significant public engagement in this transformative process. Interim President General Brice Oligui Nguema has heralded the referendum as indicative of the government’s dedication to transitioning towards democracy, with plans for this shift to be solidified by the summer of 2025. The military took control of the country in a coup last August, a move that was met with approval by many Gabonese citizens who were disenchanted with the administration of former President Ali Bongo. His government was criticized for mismanagement of the nation’s oil resources, leaving a substantial portion of the population in poverty and the economy stagnant. The new constitution proposes key changes, including a two-term limit on the presidency, each lasting seven years. Additionally, it abolishes the office of prime minister and recognizes French as the official working language of Gabon. However, the constitution does not prohibit General Nguema from entering the presidential race, raising concerns among commentators regarding the intentions and aspirations of the junta regarding power retention.

The political landscape of Gabon has been tumultuous, particularly following the coup that occurred in August 2022, which saw President Ali Bongo ousted from power. Economic stagnation and widespread poverty characterizing the previous administration led to popular support for the junta’s actions. The new constitution aims to address governance issues while asserting the junta’s commitment to democratization. The transition is positioned as a crucial step in restoring the public’s trust and establishing a more stable political framework in Gabon.

The approval of the new constitution in Gabon marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards democratic governance. With an overwhelming majority of voters supporting the new framework, the interim government’s ambition to transition away from military rule becomes more tangible. However, concerns remain regarding the potential ambitions of the junta, particularly in regard to the eligibility of General Nguema for the presidency under the new regulations.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com