Gabon held a referendum where 91.8% of voters supported a new constitution proposing presidential term limits and barring dynastic power transfers. Voter turnout was reported at 53.54%. The process followed a military coup last year, with the transitional president seeking to restore civilian governance by 2025.
Gabonese authorities announced that the proposed new constitution has garnered significant approval in a recent referendum, with provisional results indicating that 91.8 percent of voters supported it. The new constitutional framework envisions a presidency limited to two terms of seven years, excludes a prime minister’s role, and forbids the dynastic transfer of power. The 860,000 registered voters participated amid heavy government campaigns urging active participation in the voting process.
The constitutional referendum follows a military coup in August of the previous year that ousted Ali Bongo Ondimba. Under the new constitution, prospective presidential candidates must be Gabonese citizens with at least one Gabonese parent and a Gabonese spouse, effectively barring Bongo and his descendants from future candidacy. Transitional President Brice Oligui Nguema, who leads the junta, has expressed intentions to return power to civilian rule within two years while eyeing the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for August 2025.
Overall, the referendum results suggest overwhelming support for the latest constitutional amendments amidst a backdrop of government propaganda, voter skepticism, and concerns over genuine democratic process. The results await final confirmation by the constitutional court, while the implications for future leadership remain a subject of debate. This pivotal moment in Gabon’s political landscape reflects ongoing challenges, including public trust in governance and socioeconomic issues that persist.
Original Source: www.tiogapublishing.com
