In an exclusive interview granted to Gabonactu.com, Johanna Boussamba, responsible for communications for the Copil Citoyen and responsible for communications for the national coordination for the “yes” to the new constitution, Estuary section, made it clear that the new constitution which will be submitted to the referendum on November 16, clearly sets out the balance and checks and balances, guaranteeing real democratic progress in Gabon.
Gabonactu.com : The Citizen Council is perceived as an often rebellious structure. An influential member of this movement, you are campaigning for a yes vote in the next referendum. For what reasons?
Johanna Boussamba: The Citizen Copil is above all a citizen, republican and democratic structure. As such, she has always been very demanding on the principles of participatory democracy. It is therefore open to debate. The Citizen Copil made its decision after an internal debate and numerous exchanges between its members. At the end of the consultation, the movement positioned itself in favor of Yes to the Constitution. I welcome it. There are many reasons to vote Yes to this Constitution. Generally speaking, the text proposed to us corresponds to the expectations of Gabonese people. He immediately insists on the base of values that we share, human dignity, solidarity, patriotism, justice to name just a few.
Then, it brings clarity on major social subjects such as family, marriage by returning to what is today a consensus in Gabonese society such as the fact that marriage is the union of two people of both sexes. opposites. On the institutional level, it clarifies the rules of the political game and modernizes institutions. Indeed, the rules of the presidential election are set in accordance with the best democratic standards with a two-round election by direct single-member ballot, the eligibility criteria are renovated and now take into account the requirements of national sovereignty and democratic renewal with, at the same time, the need to be of Gabonese origin, to be aged between 35 and 70 and the possibility of serving only two mandates.
Finally, the intangible nature of several provisions reinforces the guarantees acquired. This list is of course not exhaustive.
Gabonactu.com : Do you think that this Constitution is a step forward to solidify Gabonese institutions and allow the consolidation of real democracy in Gabon?
Johanna Boussamba: The answer is clearly yes! It is even at the heart of the spirit of this Constitution which will no longer be a malleable and modifiable document in the hands of the elites and the powerful. As a Fundamental Law, it gives strength to institutions and not only to the people who run them. This is a major breakthrough. I also think of the democratic breath that constitutes the impossibility of renewing the mandate more than once and which opens the way to alternation at the top of the State.
Our new Constitution will also protect us against political instability since the Government cannot be overthrown by a motion of censure. On the other hand, no more parliamentarians will be appointed and election will be the only method of designating representatives of the people. For the first time in a Constitution in Gabon, civil society is clearly mentioned and with it participatory democracy. This is the guarantee that there will be no dispute between politicians and that a citizen voice will be heard in institutions such as the Economic and Social Council and, why not, tomorrow in Parliament a group of elected officials of civil society.
Finally, the intangible nature of several provisions such as the pluralist nature of democracy, the separation of powers, the number of presidential mandates, the republican and decentralized form of the State are likely to anchor our country in the democracy that we hope for.
Gabonactu.com : Are the detractors of this Constitution, the supporters of no, wrong?
Johanna Boussamba: It is not a question of stigmatizing the supporters of the no or of insulting them. Already the fact that they can publicly and openly campaign by relaying their position on national public and private media is in itself striking proof of the contradictory nature of the current process. That’s already a good thing. Then, on many aspects which essentially revolve around the prerogatives of the President of the Republic, there is a lot of bad faith and attempted intellectual intoxication by certain actors who want to make people believe things that do not exist. The same people who applauded and legitimized the errors of the previous regime with the single ballot, the appointment of senators by the President of the Republic, the ludicrous creation of a triumvirate in the event of the President’s incapacity or the management of the country by people having recently acquired nationality, would have us believe that greater dangers await us with this new Constitution than what they themselves have created. What nerve!
Others also argue that there is no separation of powers but have not read the constitutional text proposed in the referendum because it is quite the opposite. For the first time in Gabon, we clearly know who governs, it is the President. We know who legislates, it is Parliament and we know who administers Justice, it is the judges. Everything is clear and balanced. Better, there are real checks and balances with the possibility of indicting the President of the Republic in the event of violation of the oath or high treason, of dissolving Parliament only once during the mandate and of bringing before the High Court of Justice the senior magistrates as well as members of the Government and the high courts. These are safeguards and real means of ensuring that total impunity will no longer exist in our country. As a committed citizen, I am satisfied with these major advances.
Comments collected by Sydney IVEMBI
2024-11-10 07:43:00
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**Interview with Johanna Boussamba on Gabon’s Upcoming Constitutional Referendum**
**Gabonactu.com:** Thank you for joining us, Johanna. You represent the Copil Citoyen and the national coordination for the “yes” vote regarding the new constitution that will be on the ballot for the referendum on November 16. Why do you believe it’s important for citizens to vote in favor of this constitution?
**Johanna Boussamba:** Thank you for having me. The Copil Citoyen is indeed a representative body focused on promoting participatory democracy, and after thorough internal discussions, we decided to campaign for a “yes” vote. The proposed constitution aligns with the aspirations of the Gabonese people, emphasizing values like human dignity and justice. It clarifies social issues—such as the definition of marriage—and modernizes our political institutions, establishing clearer election rules and eligibility criteria to ensure national sovereignty.
**Gabonactu.com:** Some critics question whether this constitution truly solidifies democratic principles. How would you respond to that?
**Johanna Boussamba:** I would assert that this constitution indeed represents a significant step toward reinforcing our democratic institutions. Unlike previous documents that could be easily altered by those in power, this constitution aims to be a stable framework that enforces checks and balances. It encourages political alternation by limiting presidential mandates and prevents instability by ensuring that the government cannot be simply overthrown.
**Gabonactu.com:** How do you view the claims made by those opposing the constitution?
**Johanna Boussamba:** I believe that everyone’s voice matters, and it’s essential for dissenting opinions to be heard in a democratic process. However, some critiques stem from misunderstandings or misinformation regarding the president’s powers under the new constitution. Many of the critics previously supported frameworks that centralized power and limited democratic processes, so their current objections are somewhat contradictory.
**Gabonactu.com:** In your opinion, what does this constitution mean for the future of civil society in Gabon?
**Johanna Boussamba:** For the first time, civil society is explicitly recognized in the constitution, which paves the way for greater citizen participation in governance. This recognition ensures that multiple voices will be heard in institutions like the Economic and Social Council, and potentially in Parliament, allowing for a more representative political landscape in Gabon.
**Gabonactu.com:** Thank you, Johanna, for sharing your insights. It’s crucial for our readers to understand the implications of this referendum.
**Johanna Boussamba:** Thank you for having me! I encourage everyone to engage in this important conversation and make their voices heard in the upcoming referendum.
