Gabon Votes on New Constitution on November 16

In Gabon, a referendum will be held on November 16, 2023, to vote on a proposed new constitution following a military coup in August that ended 55 years of rule by Ali Bongo Ondimba's family. This coup prompted a transitional government to formulate a constitution that aims to establish a civilian regime. Key features of the proposed constitution include abolishing the prime minister's role and instituting a seven-year presidential term that can be renewed once. The transitional government, led by Brice Oligui Nguema, has been working on this constitutional draft as part of a broader transition plan initiated after Bongo's removal, which was deemed a response to a contested election. The new constitution’s draft reportedly incorporates several important amendments, including defining marriage strictly as a union between a man and a woman and making military service mandatory. Additionally, it suggests that presidential candidates must be the offspring of Gabonese-born parents. This move towards constitutional reform is part of fulfilling the military junta's promise to restore civilian governance while navigating the complexities of Gabon’s sociopolitical landscape, particularly in the wake of a coup that dissolved existing political institutions. Both the proposed constitution and accompanying legislative amendments have not yet been publicly disclosed, creating an element of uncertainty regarding the actual contents. Gabon’s leadership has emphasized the urgency of this transition, which is projected to culminate with presidential elections in August 2025. The military rulers face the challenge of fostering stability in a country rich in resources but where economic disparity remains a significant issue.