Gabonese voters have approved a new constitution, with 91.8% voting in favor during a referendum held on Saturday. Interior Minister Hermann Immongault announced the results on state television, citing a voter turnout of 53.5%. The referendum is being hailed as a key milestone in the country’s transition to democratic governance.
General Brice Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s interim president, described the vote as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to restoring democracy. The junta, which seized power in an August 2023 coup, has set a tentative timeline for the transition to culminate in summer 2025.
The newly approved constitution introduces significant reforms, including a two-term limit for the presidency, with each term lasting seven years. It also eliminates the office of prime minister and officially designates French as Gabon’s working language.
These changes are part of broader efforts to overhaul governance in the central African nation, where decades of mismanagement under former President Ali Bongo and his family left the economy stagnant despite Gabon’s oil wealth. Nearly a third of the population lives in poverty, fueling support for the junta’s takeover.
While the reforms aim to lay the groundwork for democratic rule, some commentators have expressed concerns about the junta’s intentions. The new constitution does not prohibit Nguema from contesting future presidential elections, raising questions about whether the military leadership might seek to consolidate power.
For now, the approval of the new constitution signals a pivotal moment for Gabon as it navigates its path toward democratic governance. However, the success of this transition will depend on the government’s ability to uphold its promises and foster trust among its citizens.
Melissa Enoch
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