GABON: Voters in Gabon began casting their ballots on Saturday in the country’s constitutional amendment vote. Nearly 848,000 voters are set to either adopt or reject the new draft constitutions for the country through referendum. The amendment suggests that the system of government will be presidential, and that the position of prime minister will be abolished. Additionally, the president of the republic will be elected for a seven-year term, which is renewable once.

According to Qatar News Agency, the proposed amendments are a significant change to Gabon’s political structure, emphasizing a shift towards a more centralized form of governance. The move to abolish the prime minister’s position aims to streamline the executive branch under the direct authority of a president with an extended term limit. Proponents argue that these changes will lead to more efficient governance, while critics express concerns over the potential for increased authoritarianism.

The constitutional referendum has been a subject o
f intense debate within Gabon, with political analysts closely monitoring the situation. The outcome of the vote is expected to have a considerable impact on the nation’s political landscape, potentially redefining the balance of power within the government. As the voting process unfolds, both domestic and international observers are keenly focused on the results and the implications they may hold for Gabon’s future governance.