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Gabon – Constitutional referendum : CTRI commits to restoring the country’s sovereignt

Gabon - Constitutional referendum : CTRI commits to restoring the country's sovereignt

The development of a new Constitution in Gabon reflects the commitment of the transitional government to a return to order in the country. The adoption of the fundamental law, planned following the November 16, 2024 referendum, represents a crucial step in the establishment of a civilian regime after the August 30, 2023 coup. This project will pave the way for democratic elections in August 2025 to put an end to the transition period.

The adoption of a new Constitution, planned following the November 16, 2024 referendum in Gabon, is a crucial step towards the implementation of the recommendations of the inclusive national dialogue and the establishment of a civilian regime after the August 30, 2023 coup. A major commitment of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI), in power, aimed at restoring the sovereignty of the country, this project will pave the way for democratic elections in 2025 to put an end to the transition period.

“The new Gabonese Constitution firstly has the merit of existing. But the issue is first and foremost the rupture. The breach from the bloc of constitutionality that Gabon experienced since independence until the coup which brought General Clotaire Oligui Nguema to power. Then the other issue is the legalization of the power of President Clotaire who has the possibility of representing himself.”

Kerwin MAYIZO, Political analystDR Congo

The development of a new constitutional text in Gabon reflects the commitment of the transitional government to a return to order in the country. The new fundamental law will help to redefine the political bases of the country, a priority on the CTRI agenda. If the text is voted on, Gabon will notably move to a system without a Prime Minister, with a presidential mandate of 7 years, renewable once. The document also proposes the separation of powers, in order to consolidate democracy in the country and a ban on family succession to the presidency.

“The small downside with this Constitution is that power being concentrated in the hands of the president, the political class risks having the impression of experiencing a kind of exclusion because the number of those who can access certain positions will be reduced and the lengthening of the term of office may constitute a problem for the ambitions of some.”

Kerwin MAYIZO, Political analystDR Congo

The transition charter authorizes President Brice Oligui Nguema to run in the presidential election scheduled for August 2025. According to some opponents, the new Constitution concentrates most of the powers in the hands of the president, which leaves doubts regarding the political future of the country.

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