On Saturday, November 16, Gabonese citizens flocked to polling stations across the country to participate in a historic referendum on a new constitution. The vote marks a critical step in the nation’s transitional journey following the ousting of former President Ali Bongo last year.
Nearly a million registered voters in the oil-rich Central African nation were expected to cast their ballots, a process closely watched by international observers. General Brice Oligui Nguema, who led the transition after Bongo’s removal, emphasized the transparency of the referendum.
“In this transition, we are accompanied by observers who are here to witness the process,” General Nguema said. “Their presence underscores our commitment to inclusivity and transparency, showing our friendly nations how Gabon is managing this pivotal moment. It’s a significant step forward in respecting the timeline of this transition.”
The proposed constitution introduces significant changes, including a seven-year presidential term renewable only once, replacing the current five-year term with no limits. Notably, the draft also bars family members from succeeding a president and eliminates the office of the prime minister. These measures aim to address concerns over political stability and governance.
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However, the draft has sparked debate. One controversial provision grants the president authority to dissolve the National Assembly, a move critics say could centralize power excessively. Additionally, new eligibility rules for presidential candidates have raised eyebrows, especially as they permit General Nguema to run in the upcoming elections.
The referendum’s outcome hinges on securing over 50% of the votes in favor of the new constitution. Should the “Yes” vote prevail, Gabon will proceed with presidential elections scheduled for August 2025.
For many citizens, the vote symbolizes hope for a long-overdue political reset. “I want the ‘Yes’ vote to win so that the change we’ve been waiting for can finally happen,” said Koundji, a voter in Libreville.
Others expressed caution. Some voters worry about the potential concentration of power under the proposed changes, despite the promises of reform. The tight timeline for drafting and sharing the constitution—released just a month before the vote—has also drawn criticism.
As the ballots are counted, Gabon awaits the results that could shape its political future. Whether the new constitution will usher in the transformative era promised by its proponents remains to be seen.
