Constitution Day in Equatorial Guinea
Constitution Day is observed on August 15 in Equatorial Guinea. It recalls the popular referendum of August 15, 1982, that approved the country’s Fundamental Law, also known as the Akonibe Magna Carta.[1][2]
A national public holiday
Equatorial Guinea’s 2007 decree lists August 15 as the Day of the Fundamental Law among the country’s official national holidays. It says the listed holidays apply throughout the national territory.[1]
The decree also says that when a listed holiday falls on a non-working day, the first following working day is also a holiday. This establishes a Sunday observance rule in law; actual work and opening schedules can still depend on the service or employer.[1]
The 1982 Fundamental Law
The date commemorates the popular referendum held on August 15, 1982, when the people approved the Fundamental Law. The national government calls the constitution the Akonibe Magna Carta because it was drafted in Akonibe.[2]
At an anniversary event, government officials described the Fundamental Law as the basis for sovereignty exercised through universal suffrage, and highlighted its provisions on fundamental rights, equality, family, work and national development. The constitution has since been amended; officials specifically noted reforms made in 2011.[2]
How the anniversary is marked
Commemorations have included official ceremonies, public messages, and religious services. For one anniversary, senators and members of the Chamber of Deputies attended a thanksgiving mass at Bata Cathedral; another official programme included radio outreach, a public survey, readings of constitutional articles, a mass, and an institutional ceremony in Malabo.[3][4]
Commemorations have included different programmes, such as a thanksgiving mass in Bata and radio outreach, a public survey, readings of constitutional articles, a mass and an institutional ceremony in Malabo.[3][4]
Planning around the day
Government offices close for the holiday. Check with private businesses, banks, schools and transport services for their schedules.[1]
If August 15 falls on a non-working day, the decree provides for the first following working day to be a holiday as well. Travelers and residents who need a particular service should check directly with that office or operator for its schedule.[1]
Frequently asked questions
When is Constitution Day in Equatorial Guinea?
Is Constitution Day a public holiday?
Yes. The 2007 decree lists it among the official national holidays and says those holidays apply throughout Equatorial Guinea.[1]
What happens when August 15 falls on a non-working day?
The decree says the first following working day is also a holiday when a listed holiday falls on a non-working day.[1]
Are shops, banks, and transport open?
Check with each shop, bank or transport operator for its schedule before travelling.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Constitution Day in Equatorial Guinea:
- Decreto Núm. 9/2.007, de fecha 5 de Febrero, por el que se Fijan los Días Feriados en la República de Guinea Ecuatorial- Boletín Oficial del Estado de la República de Guinea Ecuatorial
- Acto institucional por el Día de la Constitución- Oficina de Información y Prensa de Guinea Ecuatorial
- Misa de acción de gracias con motivo del 39 Aniversario de la Constitución- Oficina de Información y Prensa de Guinea Ecuatorial
- Sesión plenaria de programación del Aniversario de Ley Fundamental- Oficina de Información y Prensa de Guinea Ecuatorial