It is a tidal wave expressed by the voters who voted in favor of the draft constitution, submitted to a referendum on Saturday. In a communication made this Sunday, the Minister of the Interior and Security, Hermann Immongault, announcing the results of the referendum vote, indicated that the “YES” won with 91.80% of votes, against 08.20% ”NO”.
The participation rate, which was one of the main issues of this election, stood at 53.54%, revealed the Head of the Ministerial Department of the Interior and Security, now the only body in charge of the organization of political elections in the Gabonese Republic, in accordance with the law.
Out of a total of eight hundred and sixty-eight thousand one hundred and fifteen (868,11) registered voters, four hundred and sixty-three thousand and sixty-six (463,066) voters were recorded, eight thousand eight hundred and ninety-three (8,893) blank ballots. or void for four hundred and fifty-four thousand one hundred and seventy-three votes cast, declared the Minister of the Interior.
Hermann Immongault stressed that the publication of these overall results at the national level, covering the provinces and the consular electoral commissions, will be followed this Monday by the announcement of the broken down results, department by department.
At the end of article 173, title 10, dealing with transitional and final provisions, this constitution comes into force after the election of the future president of the Gabonese republic.
This constitution replaces that of 1991, modified five (5) times, in 1994, in 1995, in 1997, in 2000 and finally in 2023 by law 13/2023 of August 19, 2023, under the reins of Bongo father and son.
Thirty observation missions were accredited for last Saturday’s constitutional referendum, deploying more than six hundred (600) observers throughout the national territory.
The organizations present are: the African Union, the European Union, ECCAS, the Commonwealth, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States; as well as various local missions, we learned.
Feeodora Madiba
2024-11-17 22:04:00
#Gabon #adopts #constitution
How do you plan to address the concerns of voters who submitted blank ballots during the referendum?
**Interview with Hermann Immongault, Minister of the Interior and Security of Gabon**
*Interviewer*: Thank you for joining us today, Minister Immongault. The recent referendum reflecting a 91.80% “YES” vote for the new constitution showed overwhelming support. What do you believe this result signifies for the future of Gabon?
*Hermann Immongault*: Thank you for having me. This result is indeed a tidal wave of support from our voters and reflects a strong mandate for change. It indicates that the Gabonese people are ready to embrace a new chapter in our governance, one that prioritizes transparency, democracy, and national unity.
*Interviewer*: The participation rate was noted at 53.54%. How do you assess this level of voter engagement?
*Hermann Immongault*: While the participation rate is significant, we recognize that there is room for improvement. It is crucial for us to foster a culture of engagement and increase awareness among our citizens about the importance of participating in the democratic process. Our next steps will involve outreach initiatives to ensure more people feel empowered to vote in future elections.
*Interviewer*: You mentioned that there were about 8,893 blank votes. What do you think this means in the context of the referendum?
*Hermann Immongault*: The presence of blank ballots can be interpreted in several ways. Some voters may be undecided, while others might protest against the process. It’s a signal for us to understand the concerns of these voters and address them moving forward. Ensuring that all citizens feel heard and included in the political discourse is pivotal.
*Interviewer*: What’s next for your ministry following this referendum?
*Hermann Immongault*: Our immediate task is to work on implementing the new constitutional framework. This includes laying out a timeline for upcoming electoral processes and ensuring that our electoral institutions operate effectively. We are committed to upholding the will of the people as expressed in this referendum.
*Interviewer*: Thank you, Minister Immongault, for sharing your insights.
*Hermann Immongault*: Thank you for the opportunity. It’s an exciting time for Gabon, and I look forward to the journey ahead.