GABON: for sincere, free and obvious elections
December 11, 2024
It is urgent at the moment to review the Electoral Code in relation to organizing free, fair and transparent elections. This is the next step, in the timeline of the Committee for Transition and Reform of Institutions (CTRI), towards a return to constitutional order in the Gabonese Republic.
In the year 2023,without a solution to the 2016 dispute,a suffocating atmosphere hung over the presidential election. Certainly, new post-election violence threatened to sweep everything away like a torrent. Just in time! In extremis! The arrival of the armed soldiers to the Gabonese Electoral Centre (CGE) was the death knell of the end of an era and the beginning of another era that brings hope to all: the restoration of our values and institutions.
August 30,2023,is a date now inscribed in the annals of our country’s history. This is the transition. Due to an extraordinary situation led by Brigadier-General Brice Cloraire OLIGUI NGUÉMA and the Committee for the Transfer and Reform of Institutions (CTRI), they lead the country, to ensure the continuity of the State while waiting for the return to constitutional order. The new Gabon comes in with strong institutions and laws that guarantee rights and freedoms in an environment that takes everyone’s concerns into account.
The journey to return to constitutional order continues. After the referendum consultation on 16 November 2024, our country is working on the readiness of a new Electoral Code that should guarantee transparency and honesty through the actions of a reliable electoral process that will establish and restore an atmosphere of trust between people and their leaders. .
It is certainly from this point of view that we refer to the integrity of the election. So the next presidential election should no longer lead to disputed results with allegations of fraud leading to violence,abuse and death… “We must be able to organize credible elections with transparency (that are clear and clear) and sincerity (without fraudulent tactics) that would wipe away the tears lost in the uncertainty due to contesting the election results.”
Considering the new Electoral Code, 2025 would in principle be an iconic year, a coronation year that would shine and illuminate like the sun, the face of all the Gabonese people. Hope. The peaceful future. Trust.
To that end, we recommend the following:
1/ Non-participation of the Ministry of the Interior. Actually, it would be better, for the sake of the objectivity and transparency that is being sought, that this ministerial department be and remain far from organizing the polls when the cleaning of the election lists has been completed. And moreover in science, we are taught that the subject must be far from its object of study to mark the neutrality, objectivity, seriousness and transparency of the theories;
2/ To ensure the interconnection of the various polling stations with the central body that organizes the voting;
3/ In the polling stations, each candidate’s representative, with a booted or formatted mobile phone, films the minutes (PV) and sends them immediately to the central electoral body that works in collaboration with the National Council of Democracy (CND);
4/ The CND will have a centralized tendency and will be in contact with all the candidates of the political parties and the independents in the competition;
5/ The central electoral body will receive all physical reports. He shall compare or verify all the results recorded with those sent to the candidates by the representatives of the candidates from the polling stations;
6/ The central body will subsequently announce the verification results,confirmed after taking the time and care to agree with the trends recorded by the CND;
7/ The Constitutional Court,after obtaining an agreement with the Council of State,will process all the appeals that have received assistance from the National Council of Democracy (CND);
8/ Setting a deadline for announcing voting results (2 days at most) as the trends will be known;
9/ Democratic principles require the security of polling stations and the absence of intimidation. In this regard, we recommend that waiting tents be placed in the establishments chosen by the central electoral body, which will allow voters to follow the count calmly and confidently until the delivery of the ballot boxes if possible;
10/ Capping campaign budgets for equal participation;
11/ Equal distribution of state subsidies to all candidates in the presidential election;
12/ Constituency that is equal, fair and symmetrical (constituencies closer than others).
For FOUNDERS,
Sandrine NGUÉMÉBÉ ENDAMANE.
What are the key factors driving the need for electoral reforms in Gabon right now?
Interview between time.news Editor (TNE) and Expert in Gabonese Politics (EGP)
TNE: welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re delving into a crucial time in Gabon’s history with a distinguished expert in Gabonese politics.thank you for joining us.
EGP: Thank you for having me. It’s a pivotal moment for Gabon, and I’m glad to discuss the implications of recent events.
TNE: Let’s start with the recent push for reviewing the Electoral Code. Why is this considered urgent at this moment?
EGP: The urgency is rooted in the need for free, fair, and clear elections—something that has been sorely lacking in Gabon’s electoral history.The Committee for Transition and Reform of Institutions (CTRI) recognizes that a thorough review of the Electoral Code is essential for restoring trust in the electoral process and returning to constitutional order.
TNE: You mentioned the 2016 dispute. How has this affected the political climate leading to the 2023 presidential election?
EGP: The unresolved issues from the 2016 elections created a suffocating atmosphere, with heightened tensions and fear of post-election violence hanging over the nation. Many Gabonese citizens felt disenfranchised, which ultimately demanded a change. This led to important unrest during the last election cycle, emphasizing the need for genuine reforms.
TNE: August 30, 2023, has been marked as a critical date. What changes have taken place as then?
EGP: That date is indeed historic. The transition led by Brigadier-General Brice Cloraire Oligui Nguéma and the CTRI has initiated a new phase for Gabon. The committee is expected to ensure state continuity while prioritizing the development of strong institutions and laws that protect the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
TNE: With this transition,what do you think the primary goals should be for the new government?
EGP: The primary goals should include reviewing and reforming the electoral framework,ensuring that all stakeholders are engaged in the political process,and fostering an environment conducive to dialog and cooperation among all political factions. It’s also essential to rebuild trust between the government and the people.
TNE: Speaking of trust,how can the CTRI effectively restore public confidence in the electoral process?
EGP: This can be achieved through clarity in the reforms,public consultations,and inclusive practices. Additionally, showcasing a commitment to upholding democratic values and human rights will be crucial. The population needs to see that their voices truly matter in this new phase of leadership.
TNE: There’s mention of a “new Gabon” emerging with strong institutions. What does that actually look like?
EGP: A “new Gabon” would be one where institutions operate independently, laws are applied uniformly, and citizens enjoy their constitutional rights without fear of oppression.It would be a nation where governance is accountable and responsive, fostering a culture of dialogue and participation.
TNE: As we look ahead, what challenges do you foresee in this transition process?
EGP: The challenges are numerous, including overcoming deep-seated mistrust, managing expectations, and ensuring that the transition is not just cosmetic but leads to substantive, lasting change. Moreover, the involvement of international observers will be crucial during elections to bolster confidence in the process.
TNE: Thank you for sharing your insights. It’s clear that Gabon stands on the brink of a significant transformation, and we’ll be watching closely as these developments unfold.
EGP: my pleasure. The journey is just beginning, and I hope the Gabonese people embrace this prospect for genuine change.
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This engaging dialogue highlights the critical points raised in the article while showcasing the expert’s insights on Gabon’s political landscape.