内容摘要：And in 2021 the Sussex University professor, Kathleen Stock,

And in 2021 the Sussex University professor, Kathleen Stock,

Such was the public's hunger for change that, in many ways, the transition has been the easy part. There has been little public pressure constraining his freedom of manoeuvre.There was broad consensus over incorporating a ban on dynastic succession in the new constitution.

When Oligui Nguema brushed off some parliamentarians' concern about the concentration of executive power in the presidency by abolishing the post of prime minister, there was little fuss.But this does mean that, going forward, the full weight of responsibility for meeting public expectations will fall on his shoulders alone.Prominent political and civil society figures, such as veteran opponent Alexandre Barro-Chambrier and

, have joined his transitional administration or political machine, the Rassemblement des Bâtisseurs (RDB), and could well occupy important roles post-election.Nonetheless the focus will be on Oligui Nguema himself. And he will face complex challenges.

Gabon has long positioned itself as a leader in conserving the rainforest and its enormously diverse flora and fauna, attracting international praise for its astute use of climate finance tools - in 2023 it became the first sub-Saharan country to complete a debt-for-nature swap.

But this strategic approach has to be reconciled with the economic pressure to make full use of other natural resources, particularly minerals and oil, and with the needs of rural communities seeking to protect their hunting and farming rights.That does not mean the views of party leaders are unimportant. They could well sway the opinion of undecided MSPs.

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay is understood to be "sceptical" about the current bill.And Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has said he will be voting against, while pressing for greater investment in palliative care.

The Scottish Green and Scottish Liberal Democrat leaders are expected to support the legislation.The indications are that the vote on Tuesday could be relatively close. There appears to be a sufficient number of MSPs who have not declared their views to swing the decision either way.