A collective warns of the democratic peril induced by the new constitution
The recently published column sounds the alarm about a direct threat to Gabonese democracy. Concerned citizens, grouped in a coalition of political and civil figures, denounce the constitutional reforms planned for 2024. According to them, these modifications aim to strengthen the powers of an already dominant executive, under the guise of modernization.
A tailor-made constitution
The text in question proposes changes that would limit the independence of institutions, including the National Autonomous Electoral Commission (CENAP). Indeed, the organization of elections could be directly entrusted to the Ministry of the Interior, which worries many political actors, fearing that this would open the door to electoral manipulation.
In addition, the reform seeks to further centralize presidential powers, particularly in the appointment of senior judicial and administrative officials. The signatories of the op-ed, composed of opposition figures, academics, and representatives of civil society, believe that this could stifle the separation of powers, one of the essential pillars of any functional democracy.
Who are the signatories?
The signatories include influential figures such as former ministers, historical figures of the Gabonese opposition, as well as representatives of non-governmental organizations committed to the defense of human rights. Among them are Jean-Gaspard Ntoutoume Ayi, Raymond Ndong Sima, former Prime Minister, and civil society figures such as Marc Ona Essangui, environmental activist, and Georges Mpaga, human rights activist. These signatories express their concerns about the centralization of powers and call for citizen mobilization to preserve democratic gains.
They denounce an attempt to return to authoritarian rule, pointing out the lack of popular consultation and transparency surrounding these reforms.
By joining forces, these actors hope to raise awareness in the international community and push the government to revise its project. The goal is to preserve a fair and transparent electoral process, guaranteeing every Gabonese citizen a free and unhindered vote.
A necessary mobilization
The signatories call for a general mobilization of citizens, asking the people to rise up against what they perceive as an attempt to muzzle the opposition before the next presidential elections. For them, the only way out of this constitutional impasse would be to return to an inclusive national dialogue, in which all the country's vital forces would be involved.
If civil society and international institutions do not react quickly, the Gabonese people could find themselves deprived of the very foundations of democracy.
