There’s less than a week remaining for Gabon’s lawmakers to submit their proposed changes to the nation’s future constitution, with a deadline set for September 22.
A draft of the new constitution was presented to transitional President General Brice Oligui Nguema earlier this month. This occurred a year after the military removed President Ali Bongo, whose family had been in power for over 50 years.
Last week, civil society groups proposed key amendments, including reducing the presidential term from seven to five years and relaxing what they consider “discriminatory” eligibility criteria for presidential candidates. They also expressed concerns about a provision in the draft that would allow the president to dissolve the National Assembly, and they are calling for the elimination of the vice presidency and clearer criteria for removing a president from office.
Political figures have begun to weigh in on the draft, with presidential candidate Daniel Mengara being one of the first to oppose it. Mengara has criticized the draft’s “hyper-presidentialism” and advocates for a return to a parliamentary system to achieve a better balance of power. He has also sought official recognition for his political party, the Congress of Free Citizens.
While discussions on the draft constitution continue, the ruling military will have the final say, with a referendum on the proposed changes scheduled to take place by the end of the year.
