Faustin-Archange Touadéra, the President of the Central African Republic, has officially delivered the draft of the new constitution to the organizers of the forthcoming referendum, scheduled to take place at the end of this month.
According to the Minister for Youth and Sport, the introduction of this new constitution marks a significant departure from the previously imposed ones. In his own words, “There are two elements in a constitution: the history of a people and the geography of a people. And yet we have always had constitutions imposed on us by historical contingencies. In other words, they come from outside, they are imposed on us, including the regimes.”
If ratified, the new constitution will abolish the limitation on presidential terms, thus enabling the President to seek re-election for a third term.
“The only thing that bothered them in the constitution of 30 March 2016 was Article 153, which expressly excludes from revision the number and duration of the term of office of the President of the Republic, the republican and secular form of the country, the incompatibilities of the functions of the Head of State and the content of this article.”
The proposed constitution will be put to a referendum on July 30th, allowing the citizens to express their views and determine the fate of their nation’s governance structure.
Meanwhile, in a public address on Sunday, the President of Gabon revealed his intention to seek a third term in office in order to solidify his commitment to the nation’s progress. Assuming the presidency in 2009 after the reign of his father, Omar Bongo Ondimba, Ali Bongo Ondimba narrowly secured re-election in 2016.
With the opposition parties failing to unite behind a single candidate for the upcoming presidential election, approximately 15 candidates have come forward, expressing their intention to participate in the elections scheduled for August 26.