Navy authorities mentioned an amazing majority of Gabonese folks voted in favor of a brand new structure, a transfer that marks a brand new part within the nation following final 12 months’s coup.
Provisional outcomes confirmed 92% of voters supported the brand new structure, in accordance with the nation’s electoral physique.
The outcome units the stage for a transition to civilian rule, though critics say it’s aimed toward maintaining coup chief Bris Origi Nguema in energy.
Nguema has not mentioned publicly whether or not he’ll run within the election.
Voter turnout was estimated at 54%, in accordance with the Council on Institutional Transition and Restoration (CTRI). No severe incidents had been reported throughout Saturday’s vote.
The ultimate outcome can be introduced by the Constitutional Courtroom.
Talking on the time of the vote, the army chief hailed the referendum as a “massive step ahead”, including that Gabonese “voted in a clear method”.
Forward of the vote, transitional authorities known as it an important step in restoring constitutional order within the oil-rich nation.
The referendum paves the way in which for elections tentatively scheduled for subsequent August. nation for many years.
The draft structure gives for seven-year phrases, renewable as soon as, changing the five-year time period that had no limits and allowed for dynastic rule.
It additionally bars members of the president’s household from working for the nation’s highest workplace and requires candidates to be Gabonese and have a Gabonese partner.
This successfully prevented the deposed chief from marrying a French girl.
It was seen as an try to finish the succession orchestrated by the Bongo household, which had maintained a dynasty for 55 years.
Bongo dominated for 14 years earlier than being overthrown. He took workplace after the loss of life of his father, who had been president for 41 years.
The brand new regulation eradicated the place of prime minister and launched two positions of vice chairman.
Whereas some welcomed the draft regulation, others warned it may focus an excessive amount of energy within the president.
Regardless of Gabon’s huge oil assets and huge forests, a 3rd of its 2.4 million folks dwell under the poverty line, in accordance with the United Nations.
