A new constitution was adopted by the government today, after Gabon left its union with Varkonia. (Unsplash) A new constitution was adopted by the government today, after Gabon left its union with Varkonia. (Unsplash)

After leaving its union with Varkonia last month, Gabon has adopted a new constitution replacing its outdated legal system.

The new rules largely mirror the policy of the previous chancellery act.

But they also establish a new Cabinet Office comprising the executive administration, the Lord’s Council and anyone appointed by law.

The Gazette understands that the Lord’s Council will move to create agency heads in the Gabon Public Service and appoint them to the Cabinet Office.

Citizens can now call referendums

Importantly, the new law allows citizens to call referendums on removing people from office and passing new laws.

If 3 citizens present a “requisition” (a signed document) to a councillor requesting the removal of an official or the passage of a new law, the Lord’s Council is required to poll all citizens on the issue.

This creates new direct democracy opportunities for all citizens to be involved in the future of Gabon.

“This constitution is a huge step to further our democracy for the citizens of Gabon”, said the Lord High Chancellor.

“These new laws ensure that power does not sit idly at the top.”

“It also ensures that every citizen has a right to question, critique and legislate for Gabon.”

New courts and election officials established

The constitution also creates a new court system for Gabon, named the High Court.

The court takes over the previous Crown Court which never had any judges appointed.

That former judicial legislation is still set to be replaced by the Lord’s Council.

Also new is the electoral commission, which must run all elections and referendums.

The Lord High Chancellor is expected to announce his appointment to the commission within the coming months.

The new laws come into effect immediately and replace the former chancellery act.

Elections have been suspended until December to allow all aspects of the new law to be properly implemented.

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