With 91.80% of votes in favor, the Gabonese people have overwhelmingly approved the new Constitution in a referendum held on Sunday.
The Gabonese people have strongly expressed their support for a new constitutional era. During the referendum organized on November 16, the draft of the new Constitution secured 91.8% of the votes cast, according to provisional results announced Saturday evening by Interior Minister Hermann Immongault. Out of 868,115 registered voters, 463,066 citizens exercised their right to vote, marking a turnout rate of 53.54%. This highly anticipated popular consultation, under both national and international scrutiny, resulted in a near-unanimous endorsement of the project, with only 8.2% voting "No.”
The new Constitution, set to replace the one adopted in 1991 and amended five times, introduces fundamental reforms aimed at modernizing the country’s legal and institutional framework. It will take effect after the upcoming presidential election, as stipulated in Article 173 of the adopted text.
This referendum represents a pivotal moment in Gabon’s political evolution. For over three decades, the country operated under a Constitution heavily influenced by the successive presidencies of Omar Bongo Ondimba and Ali Bongo Ondimba. The adoption of this new text symbolizes a collective desire to turn the page on a constitutional regime considered outdated by much of the population and observers.
The referendum's organization was widely praised for its integrity and the absence of major incidents. Thirty international observation missions, including representatives from institutions such as the African Union, the European Union, and ECCAS, along with partner countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, oversaw the proceedings. Over 600 observers were deployed nationwide to ensure the transparency of the process.
Provisional results show 454,173 valid votes out of the 463,066 cast, with 8,893 ballots declared blank or invalid. A detailed breakdown of votes by province and consular commission is expected on Monday, providing further insights into regional trends.
In accordance with legal provisions, the final results will be validated by the Constitutional Court in the coming days. Once enacted, this new Constitution is expected to pave the way for significant institutional and socio-political reforms, reflecting the Gabonese people’s aspirations for democratic renewal.
Through this referendum, Gabon turns a new page in its history, fostering hope for a future defined by stability, modernization, and popular sovereignty.