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Nearly 1 million people in the oil-rich nation have cast their ballot to approve or reject the new constitution, which was made public less than a month ago.
Gabon’s referendum on the new constitution was held yesterday (Saturday). People lined up nationwide to register their views on the new constitution. Nearly 1 million people in the oil-rich nation have cast their ballot to approve or reject the new constitution, which was made public less than a month ago.
The head of the transition, general Oligui Nguema who overthrew Ali Bongo a year ago said that the referendum was made transparently in the presence of observers. He termed the referendum as a major step towards the transition of the country.
The draft constitution imposes a seven-year term, renewable only once, instead of the current charter that allows for five-year renewable terms without limit. It also says family members cannot succeed a president and abolishes the position of prime minister.
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The draft needs more than 50% of the votes cast to be adopted. If the vote ‘yes’ wins, presidential polls are scheduled in August 2025. Some people support and oppose the new constitution. Those who support it maintain that it would end the family rule, which is a bane in many African countries. Those who oppose it say that it would give unbridled freedom to the president to rule the country as he will have powers to dissolve the National Assembly. The final draft of the new Constitution project was made public less than a month ago. Also, it will enable Brice Oligui Nguema to stand for president.
