Gabon held a historic referendum on Saturday to adopt a new constitution, marking a critical milestone in the country’s path towards democratic governance following last year’s coup that ended the Bongo dynasty’s decades-long rule. While the referendum introduces significant reforms, such as presidential term limits, concerns persist about the ruling junta’s intentions and the legitimacy of the process.
Key Proposals in the New Constitution
The proposed constitution introduces a two-term limit for the presidency, with each term spanning seven years. This marks a stark departure from Gabon’s previous political framework, which allowed for indefinite re-election. The draft also abolishes the position of prime minister, consolidating executive authority under the president, and officially designates French as the working language of Gabon.
General Brice Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s interim president and leader of the coup, has positioned the referendum as evidence of the government’s commitment to a democratic transition. “This is a huge step for the transition,” Nguema remarked after casting his vote in Libreville, the capital.
In the days leading up to the vote, Libreville was awash with posters urging citizens to support the new legislation. Despite a slow start to voter turnout on Saturday morning, participation gained momentum as the day progressed.
The Coup and Its Aftermath
Last year, military officers toppled the government of President Ali Bongo, ending a 14-year rule that followed the 42-year reign of his father, Omar Bongo. The coup was the latest in a wave of military takeovers across West and Central Africa, with eight such events occurring since 2020.
International organizations and regional bodies have called for a swift return to civilian rule. Gabon’s junta responded by proposing a tentative timeline for presidential elections in the summer of 2025, with Saturday’s referendum seen as a critical step in this roadmap.
Voters expressed a mix of hope and caution as they participated in the process. “I came to vote for the ballot of my choice for the future of my children and grandchildren,” said Nziengui Emilienne, a voter in Libreville.
Lingering Concerns Over Junta’s Intentions
While the referendum has been framed as a move towards democracy, critics argue it may entrench the junta’s power. The new constitution allows General Nguema, despite being a transitional leader, to run for president an exception to the bar on transitional leaders seeking political office.
Observers worry this provision undermines the democratic ethos of the reforms. Rukmini Sanyal, an analyst with the Economist Intelligence Unit, expressed skepticism about the junta’s commitment to relinquishing power.
“The new legislation introduces some checks on power but ultimately grants excessive authority to the president,” Sanyal noted. “The entrenched control of the junta over Gabon’s electoral, judicial, and legislative bodies poses a high risk of manipulation in future electoral processes.”
A Balancing Act
For Gabon, the referendum represents a complex balancing act between addressing domestic demands for reform and managing international pressure for credible democratic transitions. The outcome of this process will set a precedent for governance in Gabon and influence the broader regional discourse on coups and military-led transitions.
As Gabon moves towards its 2025 elections, the true test will lie in the transparency of the electoral process and the willingness of the junta to cede control. Until then, the country remains at a crossroads, its democratic aspirations weighed against the shadow of military rule.
