The electoral campaign in Gabon for the August 26 general elections seems to be starting timidly, according to residents of the capital Libreville. Apart from Ali Bongo’s opening meeting, the atmosphere is unremarkable and political demonstrations are rare.
The inhabitants testify to a lack of enthusiasm for the electoral campaign. The streets are not decorated with posters or banners and the only signs visible are those of Ali Bongo. Some compare this campaign to those of previous years, when the enthusiasm was more palpable.
However, it should be noted that only the party in power seems active for the moment, launching its campaign ahead of the opposition, which is continuing its consultations to find a single candidate.
A question arises with regard to the financing of electoral campaigns by the State. Some believe that for the presidential election, considered the most important in the country, adequate funding should be provided.
The main candidates are currently deployed inside the country, hoping to end their campaign in Libreville, where nearly half of Gabon’s population resides.
As the date of the elections approaches, it remains to be seen whether enthusiasm for the electoral campaign will increase and whether the other candidates will become more active in their communication with the population.
It is necessary to follow closely the evolution of the electoral campaign in Gabon and to see how the candidates will mobilize the voters in the approach of the general elections