Voters support the new Gabon constitution, according to preliminary results

According to preliminary results released on Sunday, Gabon’s military leaders declared that their new Gabon constitution had been overwhelmingly accepted in a referendum, ushering in a new era for the oil-rich African country.

Authorities urged the estimated 860,000 registered voters to cast their ballots, whether they selected a red one for “no” or a green one for “yes,” on TV, radio, and social media.

The new constitution envisions a presidency with no prime minister, no dynastic transfer of power, and a limit of two seven-year terms.

According to preliminary findings, 91.8% of voters supported the new constitution, according to a statement from the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI).

Local media had predicted that voter participation would be crucial because the campaign was dominated by official propaganda from the junta that seized power in a coup in August of last year.

Across 2,835 polling places across the country, which remained open until 6:00 pm, no significant incidents were reported during the voting process.

53.54 percent of voters cast ballots, according to the interior ministry, which is less than the 71 percent that broadcaster Gabon TV had previously claimed.