Final press release for election operations – no
November 17, 2024
The Citizens Observer Network (ROC) followed closely the progress of the referendum vote on November 16, 2024, regarding the acceptance or not of the draft Constitution, a key step for political stability and a return to constitutional order in Gabon.
This press release provides a general overview of our views on election operations during the day, particularly the closing and counting of polling stations.
This mission was carried out by 250 ROC observers, divided into 125 pairs, all members of 17 Gabonese civil society organizations and trained in BRIDGE standards.
Thanks for the request ” Kobo toolbox », our observers transmitted precise data in real time on the progress of the operations. The coordination center Situation Room », installed at the Radisson Blu Okoumé Palace in Libreville, brought together three management units: Technical, Analytical and Political, allowing intensive monitoring of field information.
Incidents observed :
● Deny access to certain viewers : some polling stations refused access to observers due to behavior deemed inappropriate by some unidentified observers. This situation resulted in access restrictions for all accredited observers.
● Stopper at Bizango Bibèrè polling station : We tried to find out about the closure of this polling station in the 3rd district of the Ntoum Community, but to no avail. The reasons for this closure are still unknown.
● Accreditation in Fougamou : ROC observers had to fulfill a new accreditation issued by the Common Election Commission, which restricted their activity outside the polling stations despite their initial accreditation issued by the Ministry of Interior.
General comments :
● Percentage of polling stations that closed at 6:00pm: 59% of stations visited respected the official closing time.
● Presence of polling station members at closing: 93% of polling stations visited at 6:00 pm had all their members present
● Progress of the count: 96% of the offices visited carried out the count in a compliant and calm manner.
● Announcement of results: 96% of the polling stations visited announced the results immediately after the counting operations.
The ROC thanks all the citizens and stakeholders involved in this election process for their commitment and mobilization.
We inform you that the ROC will make a post-election preliminary statement tomorrow, November 17, 2024, at 11:30 am to share a more in-depth assessment of our views.
ReFLeT, Fnapag, Renafem-Ga, Grace Land, Justice and Law for All, RCRSCSR/OAFRESS, ACPJ, La Voix Des Jeunes, Yali Gabon, TLP-Gabon PAYCOP, Les Sentinelles de la Jeunesse, Regional Dynamics, Oscaf-Gabon, Women Go For Peace.
Contacts: [email protected]
How does the electoral observation process influence democratic practices in Gabon?
Time.News Interview: Evaluating Gabon’s Referendum with Election Observer Expert
Interviewer (Editor of Time.News): Good afternoon, and welcome to this special segment on the recent referendum in Gabon. Today, we are joined by Dr. Léonie Mboungou, an expert in electoral processes and a long-time observer of political developments in Gabon. Thank you for being with us, Dr. Mboungou.
Dr. Léonie Mboungou: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this important moment for Gabon.
Editor: The referendum on November 16, 2024, was a pivotal step towards constitutional order and political stability in Gabon. Can you give us a brief overview of the significance of this event?
Dr. Mboungou: Absolutely. This referendum was not merely about voting on a draft constitution; it symbolized a broader commitment by the Gabonese people and civil society to restore democratic norms after a turbulent period. Accepting or rejecting the constitution affects governance structures, citizen rights, and overall stability.
Editor: The Citizens Observer Network, or ROC, played a crucial role in monitoring the election operations. Can you explain how they organized their efforts on that day?
Dr. Mboungou: The ROC deployed 250 trained observers, working in pairs at various polling stations across Gabon. Their training in BRIDGE standards—an internationally recognized training program focused on electoral observation—ensured they were prepared for the complexities of the day. They utilized the Kobo Toolbox to collect and transmit data in real time, which was essential for an effective monitoring process.
Editor: What were some notable incidents that occurred during the election, according to the ROC’s press release?
Dr. Mboungou: There were several concerning incidents. Notably, some polling stations denied access to observers, which is a serious breach of electoral integrity. This limited the ability of accredited observers to oversee the process. Additionally, there were reports of a polling station in Bizango Bibèrè that was inexplicably closed, further raising concerns about transparency.
Editor: How did the ROC respond to these issues?
Dr. Mboungou: The ROC’s Situation Room coordinated efforts to monitor these incidents closely. With three management units—Technical, Analytical, and Political—they ensured that field information was collected and analyzed effectively. This strategic approach allowed them to respond promptly to any irregularities.
Editor: The election day was marked by a high level of monitoring. How effective was this initiative in ensuring a fair process?
Dr. Mboungou: While the ROC’s presence undoubtedly increased transparency and accountability, the challenges they faced highlight that monitoring alone cannot guarantee a completely fair process. The denial of access and unexplained closures of polling stations suggest that there are still significant barriers to a fully transparent electoral environment in Gabon.
Editor: Moving forward, what steps do you believe Gabon needs to take to ensure future elections are conducted more effectively and transparently?
Dr. Mboungou: First and foremost, there needs to be a commitment to uphold the rights of observers and ensure their access to polling stations. Building a culture of transparency through ongoing dialogue between electoral authorities and civil society will also be crucial. Moreover, the international community should remain engaged in supporting democratic processes in Gabon.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mboungou, for your insights. It seems that while progress is being made, there are still vital challenges that need addressing. We appreciate your expertise on this subject.
Dr. Mboungou: Thank you for having me. It is important that we continue to shine a light on these issues as Gabon moves forward.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for joining us today. We will continue to keep you updated on Gabon’s political developments and the implications for its citizens. Until next time!