In Gabon, François Ndong Obiang affirmed on October 19 that the Constitution which will be submitted to the referendum far from being the business of the President of the Transition, of a clan, of a political party, of a tribe or of a region, is the business of all Gabonese people. “Those who claim the opposite are the enemies of the Republic, the enemies of Gabon and they still have time to choose reason,” he said, implicitly launching a call to vote “Yes” to the referendum.
François Ndong Obiang, October 19, 2024, in Libreville. © DR
In Gabon where the constitutional referendum was announced for November 16, François Ndong Obiang, the first vice-president of the National Assembly of the Transition called on October 19, the Gabonese to mobilize. Believing that the current Transition process is the time to lay the foundations of transparent and inclusive governance, where every Gabonese has their voice, he considers that the expected referendum is a key moment in this process. “It will allow our people to express themselves directly on the necessary reforms and choices that will shape our common future“, he said.
Yes as “choice of reason”
For him, participating in this election will allow the Gabonese to affirm their commitment to democracy and popular sovereignty. “This referendum is not an election that fixes us on a choice of person, it is rather an act of citizenship, a means of making our aspirations heard and of charting together the path to a united, strong and resilient Gabon.“, he argued. Positioning the referendum as an intimate and patriotic invitation to resolutely commit to the construction of one’s country, he invited each citizen to “make a thoughtful and informed choice to provide our country with a Constitution». «All those registered to vote must mobilize to go to the polls when the time comes“, he said.
This, advocating a choice rather oriented towards “Oui» to move Gabon forward beyond the quarrels born from this project. Those of political regime, eligibility conditions and other points. “It is crucial to remember that the Constitution is not the business of President Oligui Nguema or the business of a clan, a political party, a tribe or a region“, he said.
«It’s the business of all Gabonese people! Those who claim the opposite are the enemies of the Republic, the enemies of Gabon and they still have time to choose reason», said François Ndong Obiang, affirming that the Constitution which will be submitted to the referendum, was drawn up with the aim of rebuilding Gabon and offering the Gabonese a real chance of emancipation. “When we have the opportunity to explore the content of the constitutional project, let us keep in mind that it was thought, written and discussed by ourselves, the Gabonese, without the slightest external influence.“, he said.
“Reversing the trajectory of chaos into which we have been embarked”
«Let us therefore look above all in this text for elements of rediscovered pride and means of action to rebuild our nation, each at their own level according to their means and skills.“, he continued. For him, the Constitution which will be submitted to the referendum, is an essential step for the evolution of Gabon and the adequacy of its institutions with the aspirations of the people expressed during the Inclusive National Dialogue (DNI). “This new Constitution aims to strengthen the democratic structure of our nation by establishing a clear and modern legislative framework, capable of responding to the contemporary challenges we face.“, he said.
François Ndong Obiang noted that the Constitution, although of crucial importance for a country, is not enough on its own to make it progress. “It is the men and women, driven by a determined desire to build their country, who make great Nations.“, he said. “The absence of a Constitution strictly speaking during this period of Transition has not prevented the emergence of projects across the country, clearly illustrating that it is the actions of individuals that shape history, and not just texts.», he commented, inviting, beyond the text, to mobilize around the ambitions of rebuilding the country to guarantee a better future after the multiple crises left by the deposed power.
Related News :