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HOW TO EVALUATE WHETHER THE NEW PROPOSED CONSTITUTION IS GOOD OR NOT FOR THE PEOPLE? COMMENT ÉVALUER SI LA NOUVELLE CONSTITUTION PROPOSÉE EST BONNE OU NON POUR LE PEUPLE?

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      English version   Dear readers, this blog would advise you to develop some objective metrics to lead you to the conclusion of either accepting or refuting the proposed new constitution. Here are a few indicators:   1.        Does this constitution prevent tyranny? 2.        Does this constitution prevent the abuse of power by those in charge? 3.        Does this constitution protect the people against intentional (criminal) or unintentional (incompetence) malfeasance by those in power? 4.        Does this constitution protect the fundamental liberties of the people? 5.        Does this constitution make education and health into an absolute right of the people? 6.        Does this constitution ensure checks and balances making every citizen accountable under the law? 7.        Does this constitution provide for the separation of powers, in such a way that no one has absolute power, or a majority of the powers needed to run the country?   Dear readers,
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BACK TO BASICS: WHAT IS A CONSTITUTION ? RETOUR AUX FONDAMENTAUX : QU’EST-CE QU’UNE CONSTITUTION ?

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BEWARE OF IDENTITY POLITICS! ATTENTION À LA POLITIQUE IDENTITAIRE !

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      English version   Recently, Marc Ona-Essangui, a Vice-President of the Gabonese Senate, gave a speech in front of an audience of Gabonese citizen from the Woleu-Ntem province. Nothing particularly special about that. However, in this speech, he asked the people of Woleu-Ntem to support Brice-Clotaire Oligui-Nguema, by voting yes to the upcoming referendum; because they had to be united behind him as he was their son.   This blog is not saying that Marc Ona-Essangui as a free individual should not be saying this. What we are saying is that as a senator of the republic, he should not be practicing identity politics, because it is in contradiction with the principles of a modern republic.   Identity politics continues to be a concern in many multiethnic countries, especially ahead of elections. This phenomenon not only creates social polarization but also threatens the integrity of democracy which should be to embrace differences within the country.   When identi
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BEWARE OF THE HUBRIS OF POWER! ATTENTION À L’HUBRIS DU POUVOIR!

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THE REPUTATION OF THE PEOPLE WHO GOVERN US! LA RÉPUTATION DES GENS QUI NOUS GOUVERNENT!

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THE REFERENDUM AS SEEN BY TV5 MONDE! LE REFERENDUM VU PAR TV5 MONDE!

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SI VOUS LE POUVEZ, VEUILLEZ LIRE CE LIVRE : "POURQUOI LES NATIONS ÉCHOUENT-ELLES?” IF YOU CAN, PLEASE READ THIS BOOK: “WHY DO NATIONS FAIL?”

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        English version   Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson argues that the success or failure of nations is primarily due to the nature of their political and economic institutions. Here are seven key lessons from the book:   1. Inclusive Institutions Drive Prosperity   Inclusive political and economic institutions are crucial for sustained economic growth. These institutions allow broad participation in economic and political life, encourage innovation, and create opportunities for people from all walks of life.   2. Extractive Institutions Lead to Poverty   In contrast, extractive institutions concentrate power and wealth in the hands of a few. These institutions limit opportunities for most people, stifle innovation, and lead to stagnation and poverty.   3. Political Power Shapes Economic Outcomes   Economic institutions are shaped by political power. When political institutions are inclusive, they create economic systems t
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