Minister of Interior and Security announces provisional results
Credit : Gabonese government
A little over a year after the putsch that ended the dictatorship of the Bongo familythe Gabonese went to the polls this Saturday, November 16 to vote by referendum on the new constitution. THE “OUI” won overwhelmingly in favor of the new constitution with 91.80% of the votes cast. Provisional results were communicated by the Minister of the Interior and Security, Hermann Immongaultthe day after the elections, Sunday November 17.
Shortly after the opening of voting, the authorities announced a record participation of 71% of voters among the 826,000 registered. But a few hours later, the reality turned out to be more nuanced. In fact, only 463,066 registered voters went to the polls, i.e. a participation rate of 53,54 %. In total, 416,983 people approved this constitution against 37,302 for the “NON“.
A campaign that raises questions
Around thirty international observers were present to guarantee the smooth running of the vote, described by the ruling military as “inclusive and transparent voting”. The Gabonese diaspora in Francefor its part, rejected this new constitution with 51.35% refusal and a strong abstention of 74.10% among the 5,500 registered.
Read: The referendum for a new constitution in Gabon is Saturday: what are the issues?
“Return power to the people”, that was the general’s promise Brice Oligui Nguemawho took power on August 30, 2023. From now on, the general-president affirms “be there to build the country”. He does not hide his ambitions for the next election, scheduled for August 2025.
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