The end of the referendum in Gabon: a note of satisfaction for the Observers
November 20, 2024
They are all unanimous or nearly so. The referendum on the draft Constitution in Gabon kept the promise of flowers. The observers, who came from everywhere for the vote, gave a note of satisfaction with the progress of this election when the Yes side won throughout the entire national territory.
There are many national and international observers who welcome the holding of the referendum on the draft Constitution. An election that took place in a spirit of percolation and took place on November 16, 2024 throughout the Gabonese territory. For many observers, it is the triumph of democracy that must be celebrated. “Although the participation rate was low, it should be noted that the voting took place according to the rules of art. Democratic rules that have difficulty manifesting themselves in some countries. This is all the good we want for the next deadlines after the referendum.” said an observer.
Viewer satisfaction rating
All practical purposes must be kept in mind; that the President of the Transition, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, received the national and international observers, led by the Minister of Interior and Security, Herman Immongault. It emerged from this hearing that “The discussions laid special emphasis on the good conditions for holding this referendum in a calm and peaceful climate. The organization of controversial public debates allowed everyone to express themselves freely and to vote in full conscience, and the democratic environment in the country was more open and inclusive than before.“.
Gabonese-Gabonese referendum
The vote, which marked one of the historic turning points in Gabon’s political life, is the second referendum held since independence. The second, it should be remembered, took place on July 23, 1995. The third took place on November 16, 2024. This is a referendum that resulted from the Comprehensive National Dialogue held on April 2 to 30, 2024 north of Gabon’s capital, Libreville.
It should be noted that the meeting between the transition president and the observers can reaffirm the desire to continue efforts in favor of participatory governance. From observers from the African Union, to those from the European Union, including local people, recommendations were made to the government authorities, and the recommendations of the Committee for Transfer and Reform of Institutions (CTRI). Lessons to be learned, adjustments to be made that will bring constitutional litigation to the country.
TSONGA Martial
What implications does the recent referendum in Gabon have for the future of democracy in the country?
Title: A Reflective Dialogue on Gabon’s Post-Referendum Landscape
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our interview segment where we explore the latest developments in global politics. Today, we’re focusing on the recent referendum in Gabon and the implications it has for the country’s democratic process. Joining me is Dr. Amani Boka, a renowned political analyst with expertise in African governance and electoral processes. Thank you for being here, Dr. Boka.
Dr. Amani Boka: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
Editor: The referendum on the draft Constitution in Gabon took place on November 16, 2024, and has been met with widespread approval from both national and international observers. Many have described it as a triumph of democracy. From your perspective, how significant is this event for Gabon’s political landscape?
Dr. Boka: This referendum is indeed a significant milestone for Gabon. It marks a reformative step in a country that has faced political instability and challenges regarding governance. The observers’ satisfaction is crucial, as it highlights the efforts made to ensure that the electoral process adhered to democratic norms. Despite the low participation rate, the peaceful conduct of the referendum is a strong indicator of emerging political maturity.
Editor: It’s interesting you mention the low participation rate. Some critics argue that low voter turnout can negate the legitimacy of the results. How should we interpret this in the context of Gabon’s recent political history?
Dr. Boka: Low participation is always concerning, yet it doesn’t necessarily undermine the process itself. In Gabon, there have been longstanding issues of public trust in democratic mechanisms. The key takeaway is that voting occurred without major incidents, signaling a positive shift. It is essential for the transitional government to now focus on rebuilding trust among the electorate to encourage greater participation in future events.
Editor: Observers noted that “the voting took place according to the rules of art.” What specific aspects of the referendum contributed to this assessment?
Dr. Boka: Observers emphasize several factors that contributed to the positive assessment: the transparency of the voting process, the professionalism of the electoral commission, and the absence of violence or intimidation at polling stations. These elements are critical in creating a safe environment for voters, even if participation was less than hoped.
Editor: President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema’s leadership has been pivotal in this transitional period. How can his government build on the success of this referendum to enhance Gabon’s democratic processes?
Dr. Boka: President Oligui’s government must prioritize dialog with all stakeholders — including opposition parties, civil society, and the youth — to build a more inclusive political framework. Implementing reforms based on constitutional feedback and ensuring free access to information for citizens will foster greater engagement and confidence in the political system, setting a foundation for future elections.
Editor: The observers expressed hopes for the future regarding Gabon’s governance. What do you envision as potential next steps in this journey toward establishing a more robust democracy?
Dr. Boka: It’s imperative for the government to approach the upcoming challenges with a commitment to dialog and reform. This would involve creating an inclusive electoral framework that encourages civic participation, enhancing transparency in governance, and addressing socioeconomic issues that may lead to political discontent. Also, an emphasis on education around civic rights and responsibilities could empower citizens to engage more fully in the democratic process.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Boka, for your insights. The recent referendum in Gabon indeed presents both a challenge and an opportunity. It will be fascinating to see how the country navigates this path forward.
Dr. Boka: Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing how Gabon evolves in the coming years and hope for a thriving democracy that serves the interests of all its citizens.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay informed as we continue to cover developments like these from around the world.