Gabonese voters approved a new constitution with 91.8 percent, according to Interior Minister Hermann Immongault. The turnout was said to be 53.5 percent. General Brice Oligui Nguema frames the vote as part of a democratic transition expected by summer 2025, following last year’s coup that deposed President Ali Bongo, amid criticisms regarding poverty and economic management.
On Sunday, the Interior Minister of Gabon, Hermann Immongault, announced that Gabonese voters overwhelmingly approved a new constitution, receiving 91.8 percent support in a recent referendum. The reported voter turnout for this pivotal event was approximately 53.5 percent. General Brice Oligui Nguema, serving as the interim president, heralded this vote as a pivotal moment for Gabon’s commitment to establish democratic governance, with an anticipated transition phase set for the summer of 2025. This constitutional referendum comes in the wake of a coup d’état initiated by military officers in August of the previous year, which resulted in the removal of President Ali Bongo. His administration faced substantial criticism for ineffective management of Gabon’s oil resources, contributing to economic stagnation and a significant portion of the population, nearly one-third, living in poverty. The newly proposed constitution will implement a two-term limit for future presidents, with each term lasting seven years, and it will eliminate the role of prime minister. The legal framework also designates French as the official working language of Gabon. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential ambitions of General Nguema, as the new constitutional draft does not prevent him from seeking the presidency.
In August 2022, a coup d’état led by military officials resulted in the ouster of President Ali Bongo, who had been criticized for mismanagement of Gabon’s oil wealth, which caused economic issues and high poverty rates. The interim government, headed by General Brice Oligui Nguema, has positioned the recent constitutional referendum as a means to transition towards democratic rule. The new constitution aims to limit presidential terms and modernize the governance structure while addressing language and political representation in Gabon.
In summary, the overwhelming approval of the new constitution in Gabon signals a significant move towards a structured governance model aimed at elevating democratic practices. With notable changes such as the presidential term limits and the elimination of the prime minister’s role, the transition, nonetheless, raises questions regarding the potential political ambitions of the current interim president. Gabon’s journey toward democratic governance will require careful monitoring as it progresses toward the anticipated deadline in 2025.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
