Gabon

Voters in Gabon’s capital, Libreville, gathered outside polling stations on Saturday, November 16, to cast their votes in a historic referendum on the country’s proposed new constitution. Nearly one million people in the oil-rich nation were expected to take part in the vote. The final draft of the new constitution was made public less than a month ago, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transition following the overthrow of former President Ali Bongo by General Oligui Nguema last year. Nguema, who is now leading the country’s transitional government, expressed satisfaction with the process, highlighting the presence of international observers and emphasizing the transparency and inclusiveness of the referendum. “It shows to friendly nations how we were able to organize this referendum process in our country,” Nguema said, adding that it was a positive and crucial step forward in ensuring the transition’s success. One of the key changes in the draft constitution is the imposition of a seven-year presidential term limit, renewable only once, replacing the current system, which allowed for unlimited five-year terms. The new constitution also includes provisions preventing family members from succeeding the president and abolishes the position of prime minister. To pass, the draft constitution requires more than 50% of the vote. Should the “Yes” vote prevail, presidential elections are scheduled for August 2025. “I would like the Yes vote to win so that the long-awaited change in our nation can finally take place,” said Koundji, a voter at the polling station. However, some voters have raised concerns about certain provisions, particularly the power granted to the head of state to dissolve the National Assembly and issues around eligibility rules. The controversy surrounding these points has added a layer of complexity to the referendum. Brice Oligui Nguema, the head of the transition government, is expected to be eligible to run for president under the new constitution, which is also generating some debate among the electorate.

Gabon’s parliamentarians have less than a week to submit proposed amendments to the country’s future constitution ahead of the September 22 deadline. A draft of the document was delivered to transitional president General Brice Oligui Nguema earlier this month, following last year’s military ousting of President Ali Bongo, who had ruled for over 50 years. Civil society groups have proposed key amendments, including reducing the presidential term from seven to five years and relaxing what they describe as “discriminatory rules” for presidential candidates. They are also concerned about a provision allowing the head of state to dissolve the National Assembly and have called for the abolition of the vice presidency, along with clearer criteria for removing a president. Presidential candidate Daniel Mengara has openly rejected the draft, criticizing its “hyper-presidentialism” and advocating for a return to a parliamentary system to balance power. He has applied for official recognition of his party, the Congress of Free Citizens. While discussions on the draft constitution continue, the ruling military will have the final decision, with a referendum expected by the end of the year.

Eleven months after coming to power in a coup, there are increasing calls for Gabon’s transitional President Brice Oligui Nguema to run for office. Oligui Nguema was sworn in last September, shortly after ousting President Ali Bongo, who had ruled for over 50 years. According to Radio France International, Deputy Prime Minister Alexandre Barro Chambrier announced on Saturday that he will not be a candidate. He stated that his party, the Rally for the Homeland and Modernity (RPM), would support Oligui Nguema if he decides to run in the August 2025 presidential elections. While the transition charter allows Oligui Nguema to run, it does not permit other leaders to do so. Although his actions suggest he may run, the president has yet to officially declare his candidacy.