Speech of His Excellency Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema: teh result of the Referendum on the new Constitution
December 6, 2024
Gabonese, Gabonese, my friends,
On this historic day for our nation, I address you with deep feelings. The Gabonese people expressed themselves strongly during the constitutional referendum, which showed their political and democratic maturity and their commitment to the future of our country.
The results of this referendum indicated that 91.64% were in favor of “yes”, which shows the desire of the Gabonese people to equip themselves with strong institutions and hope that the new Gabon will come under the seal of pluralistic and responsible democracy.
This is an chance for me to thank the international observers who gave additional credence to this election and the results,due to their objective viewpoint.
I would also like to take this moment to sincerely congratulate the staff of the Ministry of the Interior who, thanks to this referendum election, have rejoined the organization and management of the ballot, and especially for who succeeded. the results were communicated to the Gabonese people.
The same applies to the Defence and Security Forces who were able to guarantee the tranquility of the citizens during this electoral process.
This day will remain etched in our history as the day when the Gabonese people were consulted directly for the first time in over thirty years to choose their constitutional model.
This historical consultation is a break with past practices where minor changes were made to our Basic Law without really consulting the people.
The draft Constitutional Law you have just approved is not a copy of models from elsewhere. It is the result of deep national reflection, led by Gabonese men and women, fueled by our realities, our values and our aspirations. Just as others are proud of their Constitution, today we can be proud of designing and adopting a single Gabonese constitutional model, which responds to our realities and embodies our collective aspirations.
This Constitution bears the imprint of our history, the wisdom of our tradition and our common vision of a modern Gabon. It represents a new social contract that takes into account our cultural specificities, our democratic aspirations and our requirements for good governance.
it is now our Constitution, our national pride, our compass for the future. He will show to the generations to come a new attitude of hope and thus take full control of the demands of a Nation that wants to control its destiny.
Your strong participation in this election with a rate of 54.18% shows that you are connected to republican values and your eager desire to contribute to the construction of a new Gabon. I want to congratulate all gabonese men and women who went to the polls, performing their civic duty with dignity and respect.
For those who campaigned for “yes” and also those who defended “no”,your commitment has enriched the democratic debate.
I followed with particular attention the television broadcasts dedicated to the referendum and I regret the behavior of certain political actors, especially the lack of respect for values and ethics.However, I was surprised by everyone’s arguments and by discovering new faces that made me believe that Gabon can now count on the emergence of a new political class.
There are no winners or losers today. The onyl winner is the immortal Gabon that our forefathers bequeathed to us, our integrated country. All the Gabonese people now have this constitution, without exception.
To our colleagues who brought a different vision during this campaign, your voice was heard, your concerns were addressed, and they will continue to contribute to our national dialog. The time has now come to gather around the values that unite us: love of country, work, solidarity, justice and peace.
This new Constitution is a decisive step in our Transition process.
it lays the foundation for a fairer and fairer State, where the rights of all are guaranteed and where Institutions serve the public.
It is indeed a decisive break with the old transitions that have so weakened our democracy and our good life together.
This 16 November 2024 brings us closer to the final objective of our Transition: to return the power to the choice of the Gabonese people in a reformed and healthy institutional framework.The next stages of the transition process will continue in the spirit of inclusiveness and clarity. An Institutional Committee will be responsible for drafting our new electoral code which will be ratified and adopted by both houses of Parliament.
Then, the stage will come where the Ministry of Interior will review the electoral program in order to lead us to a free, clear and peaceful election that will end the Transition Year.
I solemnly request you to adapt this new Constitution and work, with unity and togetherness, for its effective implementation.
It is in harmony with our differences and the strength of our unity that we will create a new, stronger and more successful Gabon.
Gabonese people, united in harmony, it is finally our rise towards happiness.
God bless Gabon!
Honor and Loyalty to the father!
Thank you.
What are the key components of a accomplished constitutional transition in a country like Gabon?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Expert
Editor: Good day, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have with us Dr. Léa Mbadou, a political scientist specializing in African constitutional law. Dr. Mbadou, thank you for joining us.
Dr.Mbadou: Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here!
Editor: Let’s dive straight into it. Recently, His Excellency Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema addressed the nation following the constitutional referendum in Gabon, which saw a staggering 91.64% of voters approving the new constitution. What do you think this overwhelming support indicates about the current political climate in Gabon?
Dr. Mbadou: The results undeniably demonstrate a critically important appetite for change among the Gabonese people. A 91.64% approval rating indicates not just support for the new constitution, but also a desire for a more participatory governance model. This referendum stands as a pivotal moment after over thirty years of limited direct consultation with the citizenry. It suggests a shift towards a more democratic engagement.
Editor: That’s an captivating point. Nguema emphasized that this constitution is not a mere copy of foreign models but derived from a ”deep national reflection.” How important is it for a constitution to resonate with a nation’s unique cultural and ancient context?
Dr. Mbadou: Absolutely vital. A constitution reflects the values, aspirations, and realities of a society. By rooting the new legal framework in Gabon’s specific socio-political landscape, it increases the likelihood of acceptance and effectiveness among the populace. It also fosters a sense of ownership among citizens,which is crucial in sustaining democratic institutions.
Editor: In his speech, Nguema thanked international observers and highlighted the role of local authorities in executing the referendum smoothly. How can international oversight aid in strengthening public trust in electoral processes, particularly in nations with a history of political unrest?
Dr.Mbadou: International observers play a critical role in lending credibility to electoral processes. Their presence can help reassure both voters and the international community that the process was fair and transparent. In instances where there’s a legacy of distrust, like in Gabon, this external validation can enhance the legitimacy of the outcomes and, in turn, encourage broader political participation in future elections.
Editor: He also mentioned the collaboration of defense and security forces in ensuring civic tranquility during the election. in societies transitioning to democracy, how can the role of security forces be balanced to respect civil liberties while maintaining order?
Dr. Mbadou: That’s a delicate balance, indeed. Security forces must be professionalized to act as protectors of citizens rather than instruments of repression. Clear guidelines and training rooted in human rights principles are essential. The commitment to peace and order is important, but it should never come at the cost of stifling dissent or suppressing freedoms.
Editor: Looking ahead, what are some potential challenges Gabon might face in implementing this new constitution and transitioning towards a pluralistic democracy?
Dr. Mbadou: Several challenges could arise. One significant hurdle is ensuring that the newly established institutions are truly autonomous and function effectively. Additionally, there may be resistance from those accustomed to the previous system, and managing public expectations will be vital. Lastly, fostering a culture of political dialog and reconciliation following this historical vote will be fundamental to sustain momentum towards a democratic surroundings.
Editor: That’s insightful. As we conclude, what message should the Gabonese citizens keep in mind as they navigate this momentous change?
Dr. Mbadou: The paramount message is to stay engaged and active in the political process. This new constitution is a tool for empowerment, allowing them to voice their opinions and influence governance. Civic involvement doesn’t end with the vote; it should be a continual journey toward building a democratic society. The journey might potentially be long, but collective effort will yield the desired results.
Editor: Thank you, Dr.mbadou, for your valuable insights on this critical topic. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you today.
Dr. Mbadou: Thank you for having me! It was great to discuss such important developments for Gabon.