Fatshimetrie: Results of the referendum on the new constitution in Gabon
Gabon, a central African country often marked by political upheaval, recently experienced a major turning point with the overwhelming approval of its new constitution in a referendum. According to preliminary results released Sunday, 91.8% of voters expressed a categorical “yes” to the charter, with an estimated turnout of 53.5%.
Speaking on state television, the interior minister stressed that the new constitution, which was widely welcomed by the Gabonese people, represents a crucial step in the transition to democratic rule, tentatively scheduled for the summer of 2025. The change came after a military coup in August last year that ousted President Ali Bongo, ending his family’s nearly 60-year rule in the oil-rich country whose stagnant economy had left a third of the population in poverty.
The new constitution imposes a two-term limit for the presidency, each lasting seven years, while abolishing the post of prime minister and prohibiting dynastic transfers of power. It also enshrines French as the working language of Gabon and requires presidential candidates to be exclusively Gabonese, with at least one parent born in Gabon and a Gabonese spouse.
However, it should be noted that the new constitution does not restrict the possibility for Brice Oligui Nguema, the current interim president, to run for president, thus raising questions about the real ambitions of the ruling junta. The final word will rest with the Constitutional Court for the announcement of the final results.
This referendum and the adoption of this new constitution mark a decisive turning point in the political history of Gabon, paving the way for a long-awaited democratic transition. It remains to be closely followed the next steps, to see to what extent these changes will contribute to the establishment of a more stable and inclusive political system in Gabon.