In an unexpected position, Jean Ping, emblematic figure of the opposition and former rival of Ali Bongo, launched an appeal to the Gabonese to support the draft new Constitution during the referendum scheduled for November 16. This message, published this Saturday on his Facebook page, comes as the coalition for the New Republic (CNR), which he founded, appears divided regarding support for this initiative by the transitional authorities.
Jean Ping took the opportunity to recall the events of August 27, 2016, where the Gabonese had, according to him, expressed their desire for democratic change. But this desire was hampered, he says, by a “ military-electoral coup » which allowed Ali Bongo to remain in power despite a climate of protest. “ Faced with this usurpation, the Gabonese, under my leadership, were forced to join the Resistance to defend the popular will “, declared the former opponent.
Summary of the arguments put forward by Jean Ping:
| Argument | Details |
|---|---|
| Desire for change expressed since 2016 | Reminder of the massive vote of Gabonese people in 2016 for a democratic alternation, prevented by Ali Bongo. |
| End of electoral masquerades | Adoption of the new Constitution seen as a way to turn the page on unfair electoral practices of the past. |
| Constitution written by and for the Gabonese | This Constitution was developed with unprecedented citizen participation, a guarantee of transparency and legitimacy. |
| Union and national solidarity | The constitutional text is a “contract” which unites the Gabonese with a view to building a united Republic. |
| New transparent and respectful governance | The Constitution embodies the aspiration for a government that respects the will of the people and acts transparently. |
| Overcoming internal divisions | Adoption of the Constitution as a means of overcoming internal social and political divides and moving forward collectively. |
| Basis for ethical and committed leadership | Implementation of the text will require competent and ethical leaders, paving the way for responsible governance. |
| A historic opportunity | This referendum represents a unique opportunity for Gabon to redefine its institutions and establish a strong and lasting constitutional framework. |
| Promise of a future without insecurity or fear | A “yes” to the Constitution would offer a vision of a more secure and prosperous Gabon for all citizens. |
The fall of Ali Bongo on August 30, 2023, following a military intervention, gave hope to the Gabonese people. Ping affirms that this landmark moment is an opportunity for Gabon to definitively turn the page on years of electoral charades, paving the way for a rebuilding of the State. According to him, this refoundation is now based on the adoption of a new Constitution. “ Today, it is time to rebuild Gabon, to restore a State that protects and values its citizens “, he added.
A text “by and for the Gabonese”
Ping considers this Constitution as a text “ by and for the Gabonese “. He affirms that this project is the result of an “unprecedented participatory process” which allowed citizens to intervene in the development of their own legislative framework. In supporting the “yes” vote, Ping believes that the proposed Constitution embodies the people’s aspiration for a more transparent government and a cohesive society.
However, this position creates tensions within the CNR, Ping’s coalition, where certain members are opposed to this constitutional project. Despite these differences, Ping wanted to reassure his supporters by emphasizing that this vote for the Constitution is not support for the transitional authorities but a decision in favor of the future of the country. He calls on Gabonese people to focus on the common goal of building a just and inclusive society. “ The only candidate in this referendum is our Gabonese Constitution, » he insisted.
A vision for overcoming internal divides
By urging citizens to vote “yes”, Ping defends the idea that this Constitution is an essential step to overcome internal fractures and move towards governance more respectful of the rights and expectations of the people. “ This Constitution is the contract that unites the Gabonese as members of a united Republic “, he said, adding that its rapid adoption would allow the long-awaited reforms to begin.
For the former opponent, this Constitution will not immediately resolve all of the country’s challenges, but it will lay the necessary foundations for a resilient and well-governed society. “ Its implementation will require competent, ethical and committed leadership “, he stressed. According to him, the referendum constitutes a unique opportunity to establish a solid constitutional framework, essential for future development.
A referendum as a historic opportunity for Gabon
Ping concludes his appeal by recalling that this referendum is a historic opportunity for Gabon. “ On November 16, let’s say yes for a better future, for a Gabon serving the Gabonese, for a strong and prosperous Gabon “, he urged. For Ping, the new Constitution will make it possible to build a Gabon where citizens will no longer have to fear abuse of power or insecurity.
The Gabonese are therefore preparing to vote on this new Constitution, a vote which could mark a major turning point in the political trajectory of the country and open a new era for its institutions. “ This referendum is unique in our history ” said Ping, “ not because it is the first, but because it is the first where the Gabonese participated so actively in the development of their own Constitution ».
Here is his full November 9 call:
Dear compatriots,
On August 27, 2016, the Gabonese expressed, through a massive vote, their desire for change and alternation. However, this process was abruptly interrupted by a military-electoral coup. Ali Bongo proclaimed himself the winner, thus overturning the constitutional order and depriving the Gabonese of the democratic choice they had just made. Faced with this usurpation, the Gabonese, under my leadership, were forced to join the Resistance to defend the popular will.
Our Resistance pursues two objectives: to restore the legitimacy of power by driving out impostors, and to establish a new Republic – more just, united and concerned with the well-being of citizens.
After seven years of efforts, the fall of Ali Bongo’s power finally took place on August 30, 2023 thanks to a decisive intervention by our armed forces. This reversal put an end to years of electoral charades and gave hope to our people.
Today, it is time to rebuild Gabon, to restore a state that protects and values its citizens. The adoption of a new Constitution represents a crucial first step towards this reconstruction. This text, written by and for the Gabonese people, is the result of an unprecedented participatory process and reflects our common commitment to a dignified, secure and prosperous Gabon.
I therefore invite every Gabonese to vote YES to this Constitution, not only because it results from our collective participation, but also because it embodies our aspiration for a transparent government that respects the popular will. This referendum is unique in our history, not because it is the first, but because it is the first where the Gabonese participated so actively in the development of their own Constitution.
The Constitution is the contract that unites the Gabonese as members of a united Republic. The sooner it is adopted, the sooner we can move forward and face the challenges that await us, both within and beyond our borders. Adopting this Constitution will give us the foundations to build a more resilient Gabon and better prepared for the challenges of our time.
Certainly, this Constitution will not solve all of Gabon’s problems on its own. Its implementation will require competent, ethical and committed leadership, as well as an active, supportive population focused on the general interest. Together, with this Constitution as a foundation, we will be able to achieve the Gabon of our dreams.
For my part, and on behalf of the CNR Canal historique and all those who support me in this fight for the liberation of Gabon, I urge you: on November 16, let’s say YES for a better future, for a Gabon at the service of the Gabonese , for a strong and prosperous Gabon.
A Gabon free from fear. A Gabon free from want.
Merci.
Jean Ping
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