Provisional results from the Gabonese military authorities announced on Sunday, indicate overwhelming approval of the country’s new constitution in a referendum. This marks a pivotal moment for the oil-rich nation as it embarks on a new political era.
Voters, with a total of 860,000 registered individuals, participated in the referendum where they could cast a “yes” vote using a green ballot or a “no” vote using a red one. Throughout the voting process, authorities heavily promoted the referendum across TV, radio, and social media channels, encouraging voter participation.
The proposed constitution introduces significant changes, including limiting the presidency to two seven-year terms, abolishing the office of prime minister, and banning the hereditary transfer of power. The Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) reported that 91.8% of voters supported the new constitution.
Despite heavy campaigning by the junta that took power in a coup in August 2023, voter turnout was reported at 53.54%, lower than the 71% turnout seen in previous elections. The government also imposed a curfew extension during the electoral period, with polling stations remaining open until 6:00 pm. No major incidents were reported during voting at the 2,835 polling stations across the country.
Key elements of the proposed constitution also include a provision that presidential candidates must be exclusively Gabonese citizens, born to Gabonese parents, and married to a Gabonese spouse. This rule would disqualify former President Ali Bongo Ondimba, whose wife is French, and his children.
Transitional President Brice Oligui Nguema, who replaced Bongo after the coup, expressed optimism about the referendum, calling it a “great step forward.” Oligui, who was seen voting in civilian attire, has pledged to restore civilian rule after a two-year transition, though he has not hidden his ambition to run for president in the upcoming 2025 election. Billboards across the country display his image alongside messages urging a “yes” vote, raising questions about whether the referendum is part of a broader presidential campaign.
While many voters, like 33-year-old civil servant Nathalie Badzoko, expressed support for the referendum, critics argue that the constitution was designed to secure power for the military-led government. Lawyer Marlene Fabienne Essola Efountame cautioned that the proposed constitution could pave the way for a dictator, accusing the junta of tailoring the law to entrench their rule.
The late President Ali Bongo ruled for 14 years before being ousted following allegations of electoral fraud and corruption. His family has ruled Gabon for over 40 years, with his father Omar Bongo serving as president before him. Both the opposition and coup leaders cited corruption and mismanagement under the Bongo regime as justifications for the military takeover.
Concerns about unemployment, rising living costs, and security dominate public discourse, with an Afrobarometer survey revealing that 87% of Gabonese believe the country is “heading in the right direction.” The survey also found that 46% of respondents expressed high confidence in President Oligui, who is seen as the frontrunner for the 2025 election.
As Gabon waits for the final vote count, which will be confirmed by the Constitutional Court, many citizens are hopeful for change, but uncertainty remains about the long-term implications of the new constitutional framework.
