Gabon votes on sweeping changes to its political future

Melissa Chemam with RFI

15 November 2024 at 10:57 am·1-min read

An electon poster for Gabon's constitutional referendum in Libreville on 29 August, 2024.

Gabon is holding a constitutional referendum on Saturday that could reshape its political system – introducing a seven-year presidential term, renewable once, while abolishing the post of prime minister. It marks the first vote under the military-led transitional government since a coup ousted longtime leader Ali Bongo in August 2023.

"Gabonese women and men, I call on you to participate in this referendum, because our only enemy is abstention," said transitional president Brice Oligui Nguema.

The military sees the vote as the final step in their transition plan following Bongo's removal. Gabon's Council of Ministers passed a bill in October to organise the referendum.

"The Council of Ministers has expressed its satisfaction at the completion of the proposed new constitution," said Laurence Ndong, spokeswoman for the transitional government.

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The draft constitution has sparked widespread debate. Supporters argue it represents a break from decades of Bongo family rule, but critics warn it could concentrate too much power in the presidency.

Several political and union leaders are urging people to vote no, including Roger Abessolo, who leads the powerful workers' union "Dynamique unitaire".

The union has always fought for strong institutions, Abessolo told told RFI, adding that this project puts too much power in one person's hands.

Among MPs, support for the draft is growing.

"This constitution could become one of the major keys to allow Gabon to make a qualitative leap towards the future."

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