Gabon is currently voting in a referendum to adopt a new constitution, aiming to transition to democratic rule after President Ali Bongo Ondimba was deposed by the military last year, ending 55 years of his family’s rule. The proposed changes include presidential term limits and preventing dynastic rule.
Transitional leader General Brice Oligui Nguema, who led the coup last year, has been urging voters to support the draft charter, which requires more than 50 percent of votes to be adopted. The new constitution would introduce two-term limits on the presidency, remove the position of prime minister, and recognise French as the working language. It also prohibits family members from succeeding a president.
Nguema has promised a two-year transition back to civilian rule but has expressed his desire to run for president in 2025. While some voters like civil servant Nathalie Badzoko support the military government and the new constitution, others criticize it as tailor-made to keep a strongman in power.
The referendum is considered a crucial step as Gabon moves towards democracy, following Bongo’s ouster in 2023 after an election deemed fraudulent. The country’s oil wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few, with youth unemployment reaching nearly 40 percent in 2020. Polling stations experienced delays on voting day, but voting is expected to continue until 6pm, with final results to be announced by the constitutional court.
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