In a major development for Gabon, the country has approved a new constitution after a referendum, with 92% of voters supporting it, according to military authorities.
The move follows a coup last year that removed President Ali Bongo, and it aims to move the country toward civilian rule.
However, some critics believe the new constitution is designed to allow the current military leader, Brice Oligui Nguema, to stay in power.
Nguema has not yet said if he plans to run in the upcoming elections, which are expected in August next year. The constitution introduces a seven-year term limit for presidents, which is renewable once, replacing the previous unlimited five-year term that allowed for dynastic leadership.
It also bans presidential candidates from having a foreign spouse, effectively preventing Bongo, who was married to a French woman, from running again.
While some see the changes as a move away from the Bongo family’s 55-year rule, others worry that it may give too much power to the president.
The new constitution also removes the prime minister’s position and adds two vice-presidents. Despite Gabon’s oil wealth, poverty remains an issue, with about one-third of the population living below the poverty line
Credit : BBC
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