No More Dynasties: Gabonese Vote on 2024 Referendum to Reshape Their Nation’s Politics

In a stunning display of people power, on a balmy Saturday in November 2024, Gabonese citizens flocked to polling stations, their voices echoing through the humid air as they cast their votes in a historic constitutional referendum. The result? A resounding 91.64% approval for a new constitution that promises to reshape the political landscape of this oil-rich Central African nation.

Breaking Free: The End of an Era

For 56 years, the Bongo family held Gabon in an iron grip. Omar Bongo Ondimba, the patriarch, ruled for 42 years until his death in 2009. His son, Ali Bongo, then took the reins, continuing the family’s dominance. But on August 30, 2023, the winds of change swept through Libreville as military officers, led by General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, staged a coup that would alter the course of Gabonese history.

The coup wasn’t just a changing of the guard; it was a seismic shift in Gabon’s political tectonics. As one Gabonese citizen, Athalie Zoko, put it,

“We’re tired of the same old story. It’s time for something new, something that belongs to all of us.”

A Constitution for the People, By the People

On referendum day, the atmosphere was electric. Polling stations buzzed with excitement as citizens, young and old, lined up to make their mark on history. Even the weather seemed to be in on the action, with a light drizzle adding a touch of drama to the proceedings.

ALSO READ: Sahel Alliance Eliminates Roaming Charges. Here Are 8 Lessons AfCFTA Can Learn From Them

General Nguema, now the transitional president, swapped his military fatigues for a brown civilian jacket and light-wash jeans as he cast his vote. “All Gabonese are coming to vote in a transparent fashion,” he declared, his words carrying the weight of promise and possibility.

The results? A landslide victory for change. With a turnout of 54.18% and over 91% voting in favor, Gabonese citizens sent a clear message: out with the old, in with the new.

The new constitution is a radical departure from Gabon’s political past, introducing sweeping changes aimed at fostering democracy, accountability, and economic progress. Let’s break down these transformative amendments:

Ending the Bongo Dynasty

For nearly six decades, the Bongo family held Gabon in a vice-like grip. The new constitution strikes at the heart of this dynastic rule with a simple yet powerful clause: family members of a sitting president are now prohibited from contesting for the presidency. This provision is a direct response to the 56-year Bongo reign, which saw power passed from father to son.

“This is our chance to break free from the past,” says Marie-Claire Ondo, a 32-year-old teacher in Libreville. “For the first time in my life, I can imagine a Gabon led by someone who isn’t named Bongo.”

The impact of this change cannot be overstated. It opens the door for fresh faces and new ideas in Gabonese politics, potentially ushering in a era of diverse leadership and representation.

Limiting Presidential Terms

Gone are the days of unlimited five-year terms that allowed presidents to cling to power indefinitely. The new constitution introduces a seven-year presidential term, renewable only once. This change is a game-changer for Gabonese politics.

“Two terms, that’s it,” explains political analyst Jean-Pierre Mezui. “This puts a clear expiration date on presidential power, forcing leaders to focus on delivering results rather than securing their next term.”

By limiting presidential tenure, Gabon is taking a significant step towards preventing the concentration of power and fostering a culture of political transition. It’s a move that aligns Gabon with democratic best practices seen in more established democracies.

Abolishing the Prime Minister Position

In a bold move to streamline governance, the new constitution eliminates the role of prime minister. This change aims to reduce bureaucracy and create a more direct line of accountability between the president and the people.

“The prime minister often served as a buffer, absorbing criticism meant for the president,” notes political scientist Dr. Pauline Koumba. “Without this position, the president will be directly accountable for government performance.”

This change could lead to more efficient decision-making and clearer lines of responsibility in the Gabonese government. However, it also concentrates more power in the presidency, a fact that has not escaped critics of the new constitution.

Stricter Eligibility Criteria for Presidential Candidates

The new constitution raises the bar for presidential aspirants. Candidates must now be exclusively Gabonese citizens with at least one Gabon-born parent and a Gabonese spouse. This provision aims to ensure that Gabon’s leaders have deep roots in the country and a vested interest in its future.

“We want leaders who truly understand Gabon, who have lived our struggles,” says Gabriel Nzeng, a community leader in Port-Gentil. “This rule helps ensure that.”

While some argue this could limit the pool of potential leaders, supporters see it as a way to prevent foreign influence and ensure Gabonese leadership for Gabonese people.

Strengthening Democratic Institutions

The new constitution places a strong emphasis on reinforcing democratic principles and institutions. It aims to address long-standing frustrations over unfair elections and weak checks and balances.

Key provisions include:

• Enhanced powers for the Constitutional Court to oversee elections
• Greater independence for the electoral commission
• Stronger protections for freedom of speech and assembly

“These changes give teeth to our democratic institutions,” explains constitutional lawyer Marianne Nzoghe. “They create a framework for fair elections and genuine political competition.”

By strengthening these institutions, Gabon hopes to create a more robust democracy capable of withstanding political pressures and ensuring the will of the people is truly reflected in government.

Addressing Economic Inequality

While not directly part of the constitutional changes, the referendum process has sparked a national dialogue on economic inequality. Despite Gabon’s oil wealth and high GDP per capita, nearly 40% of the population lives in poverty.

The transitional government has pledged to use the new constitutional framework to drive economic reforms, focusing on:

• Diversifying the economy beyond oil
• Creating jobs, especially for youth
• Improving public services and infrastructure

“Our new constitution isn’t just about politics,” says economist Dr. Alain Mba. “It’s a foundation for building a more equitable economy that works for all Gabonese.”

Combating Corruption

By supporting these sweeping reforms, Gabonese citizens are taking a stand against the endemic corruption that has plagued the country for decades. The new constitution includes provisions for greater transparency in government spending and stricter penalties for corrupt officials.

“For too long, our resources have enriched a select few,” says anti-corruption activist Sylvie Oyane. “This constitution gives us the tools to fight back and ensure our nation’s wealth benefits all Gabonese.”

These constitutional changes represent a seismic shift in Gabon’s political landscape. They offer hope for a more democratic, accountable, and prosperous future.

But wait, there’s more! The constitution also recognizes French as the official language (because let’s face it, colonialism left its mark) and introduces a “liberation day” on August 30 to commemorate the 2023 coup. Talk about rewriting history!

From Black Gold to Green Future

Gabon’s story isn’t just about political revolution; it’s about reimagining the nation’s economic future. For years, Gabon has been known for its oil wealth, earning it the nickname “African emirate.” But with oil reserves dwindling and global demand shifting, the nation is looking to its lush forests for a sustainable future.

Did you know that Gabon’s forests absorb around 140 million tons of CO2 each year? That’s like taking 30 million cars off the road! And with a deforestation rate of just 0.05% between 2010 and 2020, Gabon is putting other countries to shame when it comes to forest conservation.

But Gabon isn’t just sitting on its green laurels. The country has become a trailblazer in sustainable forestry:

• First African nation to receive payments for reducing emissions ($150 million, thank you very much!)
• Created a booming wood industry that accounts for 3.2% of GDP and 6% of exports
• Provides 15,000 jobs, making forestry the leading private sector employer

Talk about turning over a new leaf!

Challenges on the Horizon

What’s next for Gabon? The transitional government, under the leadership of General Brice Oligui Nguema, faces a monumental task as it works toward handing power back to civilians by August 2025. Between now and then, the administration must focus on implementing the newly approved constitution, a process that will require careful planning and execution to ensure its provisions are fully realized. This includes laying the groundwork for free and fair elections, which will be critical in establishing legitimacy for the next civilian government.

Beyond political reforms, Gabon must tackle pressing economic challenges. Despite its oil wealth, the country continues to grapple with high poverty rates and unemployment, particularly among its youth. Diversifying the economy away from its dependence on oil is a priority, with efforts needed to expand sectors like forestry, agriculture, and tourism. At the same time, improving public services and infrastructure will be essential to address the needs of ordinary citizens and foster sustainable development.

The National Development Plan of the Transition (2024-26) outlines an ambitious roadmap that encompasses these priorities. It emphasizes political reforms alongside infrastructure development, economic diversification, human capital investment, and environmental sustainability. This comprehensive approach reflects the transitional government’s acknowledgment of the interconnected challenges Gabon faces as it seeks to turn this moment of disruption into a foundation for long-term progress.

And let’s not forget the skeptics. Some critics argue that the new constitution is tailor-made for a strongman to retain power. As lawyer Marlene Fabienne Essola Efountame pointed out, “We’re creating a constitution for someone who designs it for himself.”

A New Dawn for Africa?

Gabon’s democratic revolution isn’t happening in isolation. It’s part of a wider trend of military interventions and subsequent transitions to civilian rule across West and Central Africa. From Mali to Burkina Faso, Niger to Chad, the region is experiencing a seismic shift in governance.

But Gabon’s approach stands out. Unlike some of its neighbors, Gabon has moved swiftly to constitutional reform and set a clear timeline for elections. Could this be a new model for democratic transitions in Africa?

As Moussa Faki Mahamat, President of the African Union Commission, put it, Gabon’s referendum marks “a return to constitutional order.” It’s a promising sign for a continent often plagued by political instability and authoritarian rule.

The Last Word

The nation stands at a crossroads, with the potential to become a beacon of democracy and sustainable development in Africa. Will Gabon live up to this promise? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the Gabonese people have taken their future into their own hands. As one voter, Jean-Paul Nzoghe, put it,

“Today, we’re not just voting for a piece of paper. We’re voting for our children’s future, for a Gabon that belongs to all of us.”

In the words of the great Chinua Achebe,

“Nobody can teach me who I am. You can describe parts of me, but who I am – and what I need – is something I have to find out myself.”

Gabon has taken a giant step towards finding itself. However, as with any major reform, the true test will lie in implementation. The eyes of Gabon – and indeed, the world – will be watching closely as this new chapter in Gabonese history unfolds.