Preparations for the presidential election in Gabon , set to take place in August of 2023, are set to begin today on Monday, February 13th. This comes with vivid memories of the controversial 2016 election, which was marred by violence and the raiding of the opposition candidate’s headquarters.
The talks ahead of the presidential election in Gabon this summer are facing criticism as citizen campaign groups and religious leaders were not invited to the meeting. Marc Ona, president of Tournons La Page, which brings together six civil society organizations, stated that the government did not appreciate the tone of the bishops and civil society organizations, both of which have been critical of the management of public affairs. Ona believes that the exclusion of these groups from the discussions will hinder the debates between the two parties, who are composed of people who already know each other.
Civil society activists have clear expectations for the upcoming election, and hope to see improvements in electoral governance. Ona suggests that the electoral law should be reviewed and that an impartial election organizing body should be established, ideally held by a neutral person such as a member of the clergy.
The government underwent changes recently, with Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze appointed as Prime Minister, Head of Government, while Rose Christian Ossouka Raponda was named Vice-President, the first-ever female to hold this position following the death of Michael Moussa Adamo. However, the opposition is divided into numerous parties, with its leaders calling for unity to end the Bongo dynasty, which has been in power for over 55 years.
With eight months left before the presidential election in Gabon, the country’s political landscape remains uncertain, and citizens are eagerly waiting for the outcome of the upcoming talks.
Image Credit: REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri
