Gabon prepares for constitutional referendum

Gabon has announced a constitutional referendum scheduled for November 16, marking a significant step toward restoring civilian governance following the military coup.

The final draft constitution, released on October 21, proposes several major changes to the country’s political structure. The new framework eliminates the Prime Minister position and establishes a seven-year presidential term with one possible renewal, restricting eligibility to individuals born to Gabonese parents.

French will remain the official language, and mandatory military service may be introduced. The proposal emphasizes protecting individual liberties and ensuring separation of powers to strengthen democracy. An inclusive national dialogue will precede the referendum, allowing citizens and civil society groups to contribute to constitutional reforms.

This process follows the August 2023 coup, when the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions assumed control, citing electoral fraud in the disputed presidential election that favored Ali Bongo Ondimba. The military dissolved existing institutions and formed a transitional parliament incorporating both opposition and former government members.

The initiative represents a crucial opportunity to reshape the nation’s political landscape after years of Bongo family rule. The constitutional reform process aims to establish a more democratic framework and address longstanding governance issues.