During the referendum of November 16, 2024, the Gabonese largely approved the constitutional revision, with a rate of 91.80% in favor of “ oui “. This massive support marks, according to the president of the transition, Brice Oligui Nguemaa decisive step towards a new era.
« The Gabonese people largely adopted the new Constitution during the referendum. A decisive step towards the new Gabon, based on democracy, unity and justice. Together, let's write our future!“, said Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema on his account « oui »compared to 8.20% for the « non ». This new Constitution establishes the Second Republic and profoundly modifies the political framework of the country.
A strengthened presidential regime
The constitutional revision creates a strengthened presidential system, in which the President of the Republic accumulates extensive powers. The head of state will be elected for a term of seven years, renewable once, and will have the possibility of dissolving the National Assembly at least once during his mandate. The post of Prime Minister will be abolished and the President will become the real strongman of the government. Candidates for the presidency must be between 35 and 70 years old and born to at least one Gabonese parent.
According to the new constitution, the president, despite the powers he will hold, can be indicted before the High Court of Justice by Parliament. Although some opponents criticized the new Constitution, civil society, represented by the ROC network, indicated that no major incidents or fraud were noted during the vote, after observing more than a third of the polling stations . For the moment, the results are provisional and will be final after processing of electoral disputes by the Constitutional Court.
