2024-11-16 11:08:00
A “major turning point” in Gabon after the putsch of August 2023. This is how the regime of General Brice Oligui Nguema presents its draft new Constitution, for which voters are invited to vote on Saturday November 16.
“I trust the president to validate a text that is good for the country,” assures Nathalie Badzoko, a 33-year-old civil servant who has “not read the entire text” and its 173 articles.
State television Gabon 24 itself postponed its special program by one hour on “the most anticipated day”, broadcasting in the meantime reports on the activities of the head of state and official spots on the timetable for the transition, which should lead, after the adoption of the new fundamental law, to the holding of a presidential election in August 2025.
Coming to vote in a school in Libreville in civilian clothes – brown jacket over light jeans – the president of the transition Brice Oligui Nguema, cast his ballot then put his index finger dipped in red ink on his voter card.
“All Gabonese come to vote transparently (…) it’s a huge step forward for the transition,” he told the press after the vote.
So that “the vote takes place in a climate of tranquility and peace”, the authorities have strengthened the curfew put in place since the putsch which brought him to power in August 2023.
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A new Constitution with a presidential regime with strong executive power
Dominated by official propaganda, the campaign opened at the beginning of November was marked by lively debates. Opponents of the text denounce a text tailor-made for the new strong man in power, its supporters say that we must move forward by voting ‘yes’.
For local media, the participation rate is the main issue of the consultation.
To motivate voters, the government has increased calls to vote in the media, on social networks and on billboards. At the last minute, two days of leave were granted ahead of the vote and exceptional changes to polling stations authorized to “limit the hazards linked to transport and the weather” during the rainy season.
The draft new fundamental law establishes, among other things, a seven-year mandate renewable only once, with a presidential regime with strong executive power, without Prime Minister but with a vice-president appointed by the head of state, and a power of dissolution of the National Assembly.
The draft new Constitution requires the presidential candidate to be exclusively Gabonese, born of at least one Gabonese parent by birth and married to a Gabonese person – conditions relaxed after a first version limited only to Gabonese born of two parents Gabonese.
General Oligui’s presidential ambitions
A paragraph not included in the list of intangible provisions prohibits the spouse or descendants of the president from running for office.
The country’s 2,835 offices must remain open until 6 p.m. (5 p.m. GMT), before counting and centralization of the results at the Ministry of the Interior responsible for supervising the process.
If the Constitution is adopted, the next step will be the holding of a presidential election, currently scheduled for August 2025, to put a definitive end to the transition born from the putsch which ended the 55 years of rule of the Bongo dynasty.
General Oligui has promised to return power to civilians, but he does not hide his presidential ambitions by also promising a “rise towards happiness” for this country which is both rich in oil and heavily in debt. “We are here to build the country and we are going to build this country together,” he declared Friday as he inaugurated a market in Libreville.
The Ministry of the Interior assures that it has taken all measures to “guarantee the greatest transparency”, in particular by inviting international observers – excluded during the presidential election of August 2023 which led to the re-election of Ali Bongo then to his impeachment, after accusations of electoral fraud and embezzlement of public funds.
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What impact could the adoption of the new Constitution have on the role of the opposition in Gabon?
**Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Emilie Amadou on Gabon’s Transition and Constitutional Vote**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Amadou. Today, Gabon is voting on a draft new Constitution which is being dubbed a “major turning point” following the August coup. What are your thoughts on the significance of this vote for Gabon’s political landscape?
**Dr. Amadou:** Thank you for having me. This vote is indeed a pivotal moment for Gabon as it marks the transition from military rule to a proposed constitutional framework. The draft Constitution seeks to establish a presidential regime with considerable powers, including a seven-year renewable term and the authority to dissolve the National Assembly. This could entrench General Brice Oligui Nguema’s rule if passed, cementing his position as a dominant figure in Gabonese politics.
**Editor:** Supporters of the draft, like civil servant Nathalie Badzoko, seem to express confidence in the new governance structure without fully engaging with the text itself. Do you believe this reflects a larger trend in public sentiment?
**Dr. Amadou:** Yes, it does reflect a certain level of trust—or perhaps resignation—among some citizens. Many Gabonese are grappling with uncertainty and may view a stable, albeit strong, leadership as preferable to the chaos that often follows a coup. However, the disengagement from the political text itself could indicate apathy or a lack of confidence in the democratic process. It’s crucial for voters to understand how their rights and governance will be shaped by this constitution.
**Editor:** The government has made a significant push to encourage voter participation, even granting special leave days for employees. How crucial do you see voter turnout for the legitimacy of this transitional process?
**Dr. Amadou:** Voter turnout is essential for the legitimacy of any electoral process, particularly one following a coup. The authorities are acutely aware of this, which is why they are taking measures to facilitate participation. High turnout would signal a mandate for the proposed changes, while low participation might raise questions about the public’s support for the new regime’s vision. It’s a balancing act between showing strength and maintaining legitimacy.
**Editor:** There are concerns that the new Constitution serves the interests of the current ruling power. How do you anticipate the debate over this Constitution evolving if it goes into effect?
**Dr. Amadou:** If the Constitution is adopted, the political landscape will likely become polarized. Opponents will continue to label it as a tool for consolidation of power, which could spark protests and pushback. A strong executive without checks from a Prime Minister may lead to governance that prioritizes control over democracy. The opposition could rally around these critiques, framing their resistance as a fight for true democratic values.
**Editor:** Lastly, do you think there’s a possibility of a genuine democratic transition in Gabon in the future, beyond this vote?
**Dr. Amadou:** Genuine democracy requires more than just a new Constitution; it demands a culture of political participation, accountability, and civil engagement. While the current draft may not provide that, its implementation could ignite discussions about necessary reforms and greater civic participation. A lot will depend on how the regime adapts to dissent and promotes political pluralism moving forward.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Amadou, for your insightful analysis on this crucial moment in Gabon’s political journey.
**Dr. Amadou:** Thank you for having me. It’s a significant time, and I hope the evolution of Gabon’s governance will push towards a more participatory political system.
