Under the theme “Referendum 2024, I am concerned, I vote”, the intensification of the awareness, mobilization and education campaign continues in the province of Ogooué-Maritime. After the commune of Omboué in the department of Étimboué, the special delegation in charge of the management of the town of Port-Gentil and the students of Port-Gentil had the honor of interacting with the team of agents of the Ministry of the Interior and Security accompanied by civil society and representatives of traditional chiefdoms.
“It is important that the special delegations relay this awareness campaign that we want to last.”indicates Yannick Edson Ongoundja, head of the provincial awareness delegation on the referendum in Port-Gentil.
This campaign is being held in accordance with article 8 of Law No. 19/2024, modifying certain provisions of Law No. 07/96 of March 12, 1996, establishing provisions common to all political elections in Gabon. This is of capital importance and is based around three main objectives; raise awareness among all citizens of the importance of voting; educate on voting procedures and finally mobilize communities.
“We are surprised by the patriotism of young people in Port-Gentil. This is a great moment of participatory and popular democracy, we have young people who are politically educated on the issues of the future referendum,” he is satisfied.
At the Joseph Ambouroue Avaro high school (LJAA) where more than 400 students of voting age were gathered for this awareness campaign, citizens registered on the electoral list were invited to express themselves by voting “yes”, no” or “white” during the referendum.
“This is the adaptation of a new Constitution and if the people agree, they will vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Knowing that we are in a period of transition and that we will have to mark change, I feel more than concerned,” declared Jonathan Benjamin Elanga, final year B3 student.
At the Jean Fidèle Otandault technical high school, the mobilization was popular and the message unchanged. Although nearly 300 students were brought together for the occasion, these learners believe they will be relays of awareness to their colleagues, parents, friends and acquaintances for a collective and participatory awareness. 
“I am part of the youth and I have experienced the transition, I feel concerned since it is about my future and that of my little brothers”, estimates the final year student MI 1 at the Port-Gentil technical high school Joyce Jemima Igama.
“It is a role of awareness raising and mobilization and encouraging populations to know the merits of the referendum. We would like there to be a participation rate of 90%, inviting people not to abstain. Everywhere we went there was excitement,” welcomes Georges Mapga, commissioner representing civil society.
The Minister of the Interior Hermann Immongault, organizer of this approach, indicated that every voice counts in this process, essential for the future of Gabon.
Jean-Jacques Rovaria Djodji
2024-10-11 13:51:00
#PortGentil #students #aware #referendum
Freedom House report 2024
Gabon Sees Surge in Voter Engagement Ahead of 2024 Referendum
In a comprehensive effort to bolster civic participation and awareness, the Gabonese government has been intensifying a nationwide campaign in the lead-up to the 2024 referendum. This ambitious initiative, dubbed “Referendum 2024, I am concerned, I vote,” aims to galvanize citizens to exercise their right to vote, educate them on the referendum process, and encourage community engagement.
At the forefront of this campaign is the special delegation in charge of the management of the town of Port-Gentil, which has been working closely with civil society, traditional chiefdoms, and the Ministry of the Interior and Security. Yannick Edson Ongoundja, the head of the provincial awareness delegation, has voiced his optimism about the campaign’s potential, stating that it is ”important that the special delegations relay this awareness campaign that we want to last.”
These efforts have been met with enthusiasm from young people in Port-Gentil, who are increasingly taking an active role in the democratic process. As Ongoundja observed, “We are surprised by the patriotism of young people in Port-Gentil. This is a great moment of participatory and popular democracy, we have young people who are politically educated on the issues of the future referendum.”
The campaign has also involved various educational institutions, including the Joseph Ambouroue Avaro high school (LJAA) and the Jean Fidèle Otandault technical high school, where students have been engaged in discussions about the referendum process and encouraged to express their opinions. This engagement has had a profound impact on students like Jonathan Benjamin Elanga, who has stated that he feels “more than concerned” about the future of Gabon and is eager to exercise his right to vote.
A Watershed Moment for Gabonese Democracy
The upcoming referendum offers a critical opportunity for the people of Gabon to shape the country’s future. As Gabon navigates a period of transition, the need for an informed and engaged citizenry is more pressing than ever. By prioritizing civic education, awareness, and mobilization, the government is taking a vital step towards consolidating democratic values and ensuring a more participatory and inclusive electoral process.
Ultimately, the success of this referendum will depend on the active engagement of all citizens, particularly young people. As they begin to assert their voices in the democratic process, Gabon is poised on the cusp of a new era of citizen-led governance. As one student aptly put it, “This is a great moment of participatory and popular democracy,” and it is an opportunity that should not be missed.
