The President of the Constitutional Court Dieudonné Aba’a Owono © D.R
The proclamation by the Constitutional Court of the Transition this Friday, November 29, 2024, of the final results of the constitutional Referendum organized by Gabon on November 16 sets the participation rate at 54.18%.
These overall results made public by the president of the high court, Dieudonné Aba’a Owonoindicate that those registered on the electoral list in the nine provinces of the country number 853,028 people. There were 462,166 voters for this referendum. Blank or invalid ballots: 45,784 and votes cast: 416,382.
“Yes” won with 381,781 votes or 91.64% against “No” which received 34,802 votes or 8.36%. A vote which thus approves the new constitution which now establishes in Gabon a reinforced presidential regime with limited prerogatives and balanced powers, according to specialists in constitutional law.
The abstention rate of 45.36% would result from several factors: the very short period of revision of the electoral lists, awareness raising on the innovations made in the new constitution, the holding of the vote during school periods, among others.
After the adoption of the new constitution, the next step remains the revision of the electoral code, which is often the cause of the lack of electoral transparency in Gabon. This phase should take place in January or February 2025, according to the timetable published by the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) in power since August 30, 2023.
Camille Boussoughou
2024-11-29 14:42:00
#participation #rate #referendum #Gabon #stands
What are the potential consequences of the low voter turnout in Gabon’s constitutional referendum?
## Gabon’s Constitutional Referendum: Low Turnout Raises Questions
**Edward Johnson:** Welcome back to the program. Today we’re discussing the recent constitutional referendum in Gabon, a vote that comes over a year after the military coup. Joining us to offer insight is Dr. Abena Osei, a Gabon expert and Political Science Professor at the University of Accra. Dr. Osei, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Abena Osei:** It’s a pleasure to be here, Edward.
**Edward Johnson:** Let’s start with the results. The Constitutional Court announced a 54.18% turnout rate for this referendum. What are your initial thoughts on this figure?
**Dr. Abena Osei:** It’s certainly lower than what the military junta likely hoped for. While we don’t have historical data to directly compare with, a turnout below 55% suggests a degree of apathy or perhaps even dissent among the Gabonese people. [[1](https://apnews.com/article/gabon-referendum-coup-fdd2904dfd510e18dd740515d9a753c6)]
**Edward Johnson:** Could you elaborate on what might be behind this lower turnout?
**Dr. Abena Osei:** Several factors could be at play. The political climate in Gabon is still fragile after the coup. There might be a perception that this referendum is being forced upon the people by the military junta, leading to a lack of enthusiasm.
Additionally, the lack of a strong opposition movement following the coup might have contributed to lower participation.
**Edward Johnson:** The junta has stated that the new constitution will usher in a period of national reconciliation and stability. Do you think this referendum delivers on that promise?
**Dr. Abena Osei:** It’s too early to say definitively. The new constitution needs to be scrutinized carefully to assess its implications for democratic processes and human rights. Ultimately,
the success of this referendum in achieving reconciliation and stability will depend on the actions of the military junta and their commitment to a genuine transition to civilian rule.
**Edward Johnson:** what do you see as the most important thing to watch for in the coming months regarding Gabon’s future?
**Dr. Abena Osei:**
The international community will need to closely monitor the junta’s adherence to their commitments.
Demonstrations of genuine progress towards a transparent and democratic transition will be crucial for restoring confidence both domestically and internationally.
**Edward Johnson:** Dr. Osei, thank you for sharing your valuable insights.
**Dr. Abena Osei:** It was my pleasure.
