Constitutional referendum in Gabon: A crucial step towards the return to a civilian regime
A referendum set for November 16, 2024
Gabonese people are scheduled to vote in a referendum on a new constitution on November 16, 2024. This step represents a major turning point in the process of transition to civilian rule, promised by the military junta following the August 2023 coup that overthrew President Ali Bongo.
Adoption of the draft fundamental law
The draft of the new constitution was adopted by the Council of Ministers, as announced by Laurence Ndong, spokesperson for the transitional government led by General Brice Oligui Nguema. Four decrees were issued to oversee this process, one of which calls for the electoral body to meet on November 16, 2024. Voters will have the choice between two ballots: “Yes” or “No.”
Content of the constitutional project
Although the official text of the new constitution and the 800 amendments proposed by the Constituent Assembly have not yet been made public, versions circulating online suggest several significant changes. Proposals include the establishment of a presidential regime without a prime minister, a seven-year presidential term renewable once, and strict eligibility requirements, including requiring candidates to be born to Gabonese parents. Other measures include recognizing marriage as a union between two people of different sexes and confirming French as an official language.
Context: Transition after the overthrow of Ali Bongo
On August 30, 2023, a military junta seized power after denouncing a fraudulent election that had re-elected Ali Bongo for a third term. Since then, the military has dissolved existing institutions and set up a transitional parliament, composed of figures from the opposition and the previous majority. General Oligui, who has become the country’s strongman, has promised to return power to civilians and aims to win the presidential election scheduled for August 2025.
Conclusion
The constitutional referendum scheduled for November 2024 represents a decisive step in Gabon’s political transition, which began after the fall of the Bongo regime. If the draft constitution is adopted, it could redefine the bases of power in Gabon while paving the way for a new presidential election in 2025. General Oligui’s role in this critical phase, as well as his political ambitions, will be decisive for the country’s future.
