The tone, rather speckled, is set in the campaign for the referendum consultation, with a view to the adoption of the future constitution of the Gabonese republic, scheduled for November 16. During the launch meeting of the said campaign, this Saturday in one of the neighborhoods of “Nzeng-Ayong”, in the 6th district of Libreville, on behalf of the platform he leads, called ”Agreement for Gabon”, Alain Claude Bilie By Nzé, former and last prime minister of the deposed president, Ali Bongo Ondimba, wishes for clarification of positions, the organization of a televised public debate between him and one of the main high-ranking personalities of the country, notably the president of the transition, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguéma.
Campaigning for ‘’Non’’ to the future constitution, Alain Claude Bilie By Nze, on Saturday invited the president of the Transition, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguéma, to a televised debate to defend everyone, the reasons for their ”Yes” or their ‘’Non’’ to the future constitution, subject to debate and in the coming days, to popular sanction.
“If you want the Gabonese people to understand what is happening, I invite you to a televised debate. He designates the “Yes” representative and me for the “No”. We go on television and we debate,” he said to the president of the transition, eliciting cheers from the audience committed to the cause of “No”.we observed.
“If he himself cannot come, let him send the Prime Minister…. If the Prime Minister can’t come because he’s busy or he’s in trouble because what he’s voting for today is what he was fighting yesterday, Barro Chambrier is here for him to come. He is deputy prime minister. I occupied these positions… So if Barro doesn’t come, I don’t see who will come”suggests Alain Claude Bilie By Nzé, as if by challenge.
“Let’s discuss, debate, enlighten the Gabonese people. It’s a battle of ideas. This is not a stick fight. It’s not a gun fight… When we were there we were criticized. We weren’t crying. Ladies and gentlemen, don’t cry. You must not cry. Crying is forbidden. Don’t bring out the guns, it’s not time for guns”quipped, to conclude, the former deputy of the Canton Ntang Louli, in Makokou, province of Ogooué Ivindo (north-east).
During the Lébamba stage, in the province of Ngounié (south), of his last republican tour, the president of the transition, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguéma, had clearly designated Alain Claude Bilie By Nzé as being the main maneuverer of the chaotic constitutional reform and ”electoral tampering” at the origin of ”coup d’état” from August 30, 2023.
The fundamental draft text under debate, before being submitted in the coming days for the sanction of the sovereign people, is built around ten (10) titles, five (5) chapters and one hundred and seventy-three (173) articles. It opens with a preamble, an integral part of the constitution, which proclaims the general principles of the future republic.
The current modified text was adopted following a meeting between the president, the transitional government and the constituent office. However, the contradictions have not diminished between the supporters of ‘’Oui’’ a you ‘’Non’’mainly concerning the provisions relating to the conditions of eligibility for the presidency of the republic and the regime of political and institutional governance to govern the future Gabonese republic.
At the end of article 43 of this draft constitution, the president of the Gabonese republic must notably “Have unique and exclusive Gabonese nationality… Be born Gabonese to at least one Gabonese parent, himself born Gabonese… He must be married to a Gabonese, himself born Gabonese and speak at least one national language ».
Regarding the recommended presidential system, the future constitution which abolishes the function of prime minister, provides in article 41 that “The President of the Republic is the Head of State, he is the holder of executive power… he determines and conducts the policy of the Nation”we can read.
Also, article 22, which also does not fail to exacerbate contradictions and distance positions, stipulates that “Citizens have the right to assemble freely. Demonstrations or parades in public spaces must be authorized under the conditions provided for by law”. Protest from the supporters of ”No” who see it as a restriction of individual and political freedoms, where until now all that was needed was a simple letter of information to the competent services, denounce the latter.
The supporters of ‘’Oui’’ on the other hand, detect significant and historic advances, marked in particular by the recording of the systematic refusal to the monarchical devotion of power, enshrined in particular by paragraph 3 of article 43 which prescribes that “The spouse and descendants of a president of the republic cannot be candidates for his succession”they argue
Alain Claude Bilie By Nzé is in fact breaking ties with the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), of which he is one of the hierarchs, but which is campaigning in favor of ‘’Oui’’ for the upcoming constitutional referendum.
Gabonese citizens of voting age are called to the polls on November 16 as part of the constitutional referendum intended to provide the country with a new constitution and bring it into a new republic, after 56 years of undivided rule by the CEO.
The referendum campaign, with a view to the adoption of the future constitution of the Gabonese Republic, opened last Wednesday April 6, ends on Friday November 15 at midnight. The vote is scheduled for Saturday November 16, 2024.
Antoine Relaxe
2024-11-09 22:02:00
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**Interview with Alain Claude Bilie By Nzé on the Upcoming Constitutional Referendum in Gabon**
**Interviewer**: Alain Claude Bilie By Nzé, thank you for joining us today. You’ve recently initiated a campaign pushing for a “No” vote on the upcoming constitutional referendum. What are your main concerns regarding the proposed changes?
**Alain Claude Bilie By Nzé**: Thank you for having me. My primary concern is that the proposed constitution consolidates too much power in the hands of the president while undermining individual and political freedoms. For instance, the restrictions on public assembly threaten the liberties we, as Gabonese, have fought hard to protect. We should be fostering an environment of open discussion, not imposing unnecessary limitations.
**Interviewer**: You have encouraged President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguéma to engage in a televised debate with you. Why do you think this is essential?
**Bilie By Nzé**: A debate is crucial because it allows us to present our respective positions clearly to the Gabonese people. We need transparency and dialogue about how this new constitution will shape our nation. It’s not just about “Yes” or “No”; it’s about understanding the implications of each choice. If President Oligui cannot attend, then I welcome his representatives. We must have this conversation publicly.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned that the constitutional text states that the president must possess “unique and exclusive Gabonese nationality.” How do you view this provision?
**Bilie By Nzé**: While it’s important to have national integrity in leadership, the criteria outlined can be seen as exclusionary, potentially disqualifying many capable Gabonese from leadership roles. It creates a narrow field that does not reflect the diverse fabric of our society. Inclusivity is key to progress.
**Interviewer**: What would you say to the supporters of the “Yes” campaign regarding their viewpoint?
**Bilie By Nzé**: I encourage them to engage in reasoned discussion rather than rely on emotional appeals. The future of our republic depends on informed choices. If their vision for Gabon is truly beneficial, they should be willing to defend it in a public forum, allowing the populace to understand the ideas fully.
**Interviewer**: how do you envision the outcome of the referendum?
**Bilie By Nzé**: I hope for a robust discussion leading to a decisive “No” from the people. Gabonese citizens deserve a constitution that reflects their voices and upholds our democratic principles, not one that centralizes powers and restricts freedoms. A “No” vote could pave the way for a more participatory approach in crafting a constitution that truly represents us all.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Alain Claude Bilie By Nzé, for sharing your insights with us today.
**Bilie By Nzé**: Thank you for having me. Let’s continue to engage in dialogue for the sake of our country’s future.
