Draft Constitution/Geoffroy Foumboula Libeka: from text to summary – AGP

by time news

LIBREVILLE, November 2, 2024 (AGP) – Geoffroy Foumboula Libeka ​Makosso, deputy of the Transition and actor of civil society, ​held a‌ press conference, this Saturday, November 2, in Libreville, to present his summary on the draft Constitution of the Gabon, we noted.

“The draft Constitution ​includes 173 articles, including at least 109 taken from the old⁢ Constitution, 8 ⁢articles capable of‌ creating discord, 6 common to several other countries and ​50 articles representing a major advance since 1959,”⁢ said Geoffroy Foumboula Libeka. Makosso.

The ​Transition deputy deciphered numerous articles of the draft Constitution. These include article 62 on the dissolution of the National Assembly, except in a presidential regime, and article 123 on the appointment of constitutional judges by the President‍ of the Republic.

He also analyzed some principles likely to constitute a major advance since⁢ the 1959 Constitution, such as the preamble ⁣on​ pluralist and participatory democracy, and‌ articles ⁢1, 33, 94 ⁢and 169 on the recognition of⁣ ancestors, national education in schools, the ban ‌on homosexuality ⁤in Gabon and the affirmation of the pronatalist policy.

He also ‌mentioned articles 7, 24, 27 and 94, which recognize civil society, traditionalists, ministers of ⁢religion, entrepreneurship, digital technology, artificial intelligence, the status of the opposition, military service , land, etc.

However, Geoffroy Foumboula Libeka Makosso noted some principles likely to create discord and controversy. Like article 2 on Liberation Day, which should be⁢ in⁤ a law, a decree or an order, but not⁢ in the Constitution.

This summary ​of the draft Constitution of Gabon contains 24 pages and 173 articles, or at least ⁢53 articles more than the 1991 Constitution and its various revisions.

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Interview between ⁢Time.news Editor and Geoffroy Foumboula Libeka Makosso

Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today, Mr.⁢ Makosso. You recently held ⁤a press conference in Libreville regarding ⁢the draft Constitution of Gabon. To start,⁣ could you ⁤provide our audience​ with an overview of why this draft⁢ is significant‌ for Gabon?

Geoffroy Foumboula Libeka Makosso: Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. The draft Constitution is crucial ‌as ​it aims to⁤ address several longstanding issues in Gabon’s governance. ⁢It comprises 173 articles, with a ⁤blend of continuity and change; while 109 articles are taken from‍ the old Constitution,⁣ there’s a substantial focus on reforms. Specifically, 50 articles represent significant advancements ​since 1959,⁢ positioning our democracy to transition into a more pluralistic and‌ participatory framework.

Time.news Editor: That’s⁢ indeed a significant shift. ‌You mentioned that there are‍ articles likely to create discord. Can⁢ you​ elaborate on which areas ‌might pose ‌challenges, and why?

Geoffroy Foumboula Libeka​ Makosso: Certainly. Among the⁤ eight articles that might create discord, we have sensitive subjects ⁣such as the dissolution of the National Assembly,​ which is​ addressed in Article ⁢62. The provision states that the National Assembly cannot be dissolved except​ under a presidential⁢ regime. ‌Such a clause could provoke tensions ‌if ​not carefully balanced with legislative authority.

Time.news Editor: Balancing power is indeed a delicate issue in governance. In your analysis, you’ve pointed‍ out‍ Article 123, which deals with the appointment of constitutional judges. Why is this ‍particular article significant, and what implications could ⁢it have ​on judicial independence?

Geoffroy Foumboula Libeka Makosso: Article ⁤123’s provision allowing the President of the Republic to appoint constitutional‌ judges raises concerns about⁢ the⁣ separation ​of powers. While having an independent judiciary is vital for ‌democracy, ⁤this structure could ‌lead​ to ‌a perception of bias if judges are directly appointed by the executive. ​It’s essential‌ that we⁣ ensure mechanisms are in place to maintain judicial independence⁤ and public​ confidence in ⁤the‍ legal system.

Time.news Editor:‍ It seems there are⁢ both opportunities and challenges ahead. You highlighted⁢ some principles representing substantial advancements since 1959, such⁣ as⁤ pluralist ⁤and ‍participatory democracy. Can you discuss how these‌ principles are reflected‌ in the new draft?

Geoffroy ​Foumboula Libeka Makosso: The preamble⁣ of the new Constitution emphasizes a commitment to ​pluralism and ⁢participation, crucially recognizing the diversity of voices within Gabonese‌ society.⁣ Articles⁢ 1,⁤ 33,⁣ 94, and 169 explicitly commit to upholding democratic ideals, ensuring that citizens have a more substantial role ‌in governance and decision-making processes. This approach signifies a shift towards more⁢ inclusive governance and away from authoritarian tendencies.

Time.news⁢ Editor: ‌That’s a ⁢promising ⁣progression‍ for Gabon’s​ political landscape.‍ As we look ahead, what ⁣steps do you⁣ believe are necessary to ensure the successful adoption and implementation of this draft​ Constitution?

Geoffroy Foumboula Libeka Makosso:​ For⁣ the successful adoption ‌of‌ the draft⁤ Constitution, it⁢ is essential⁤ to engage the populace through ⁣informative discussions and ‌forums that explain​ the⁢ proposed changes.⁤ Mobilizing civil ⁤society, encouraging ⁣public debate, and conducting thorough consultations can build a more participatory process, fostering national⁣ ownership of the document. Furthermore, ⁣we must ensure that the institutions responsible for implementing these changes are ‍equipped, ⁣trained, and committed to ⁤upholding the Constitution’s ⁤tenets.

Time.news ⁤Editor: Preparation and engagement ⁢are key, indeed. Lastly, how do you envision Gabon’s future once ⁣this draft⁤ Constitution ⁤is adopted?

Geoffroy ⁤Foumboula Libeka Makosso:⁤ I envision a ​Gabon where political participation is broadened,⁢ and democratic values are upheld. If implemented effectively, this draft Constitution ‍can pave the ​way ⁤for⁢ more equitable governance, ⁣respect for human⁢ rights, and ⁣sustainable development.​ It creates a foundation for a modern Gabon ⁤that listens ​to its citizens and addresses their aspirations.

Time.news Editor: Thank ⁤you, Mr. Makosso, for ⁤sharing your⁣ insights ‍with us today.⁢ We look forward to ⁢seeing ⁤how Gabon’s constitutional journey unfolds.

Geoffroy Foumboula ​Libeka Makosso: Thank you ‌for the opportunity. Let’s hope for a brighter‌ future for Gabon.

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