Support for participatory, inclusive and human rights-based constitutional and institutional reforms to contribute to a rapid return to a sustainable constitutional order and prevent electoral violence in Gabon (DEMGAB)

Under the framework of a transitional charter, the country embarked on a series of steps to forge a roadmap for a return to constitutional order. This included the organisation of an Inclusive National Dialogue (DNI) in April 2024, the establishment of a national constitutional committee to develop a draft constitution, the conduct of a constitutional referendum in November 2024 and the establishment of a new electoral law.

Since 2024, International IDEA has been implementing the “Support for participatory, inclusive and human rights-based constitutional and institutional reforms to contribute to a rapid return to a sustainable constitutional order and prevent electoral violence in Gabon” (DEMGAB) project, financed by the European Union and its member countries. The project works with Gabonese political institutions and actors such as the government, the legislature, the judiciary, election management bodies, political parties and civil society organizations to support the reform agenda and to operationalize the new constitution.

The project is expected to deliver four core outcomes:

1. Transitional authorities will be better equipped to make informed decisions in shaping constitutional and institutional reforms.
2. Post-transition democratic institutions will have improved capacities to enact and implement reform agendas that reflect the will of the people.
3. Political parties will enhance their internal democracy and responsiveness, fostering inclusive and participatory political competition.
4. Civil society actors will actively contribute to citizen engagement and ensure accountability in reform processes.

By facilitating inclusive, context-driven reform, DEMGAB aims to lay the foundation for a pluralistic, peaceful, and resilient democracy in Gabon.