The electoral campaign in Gabon in view of the general elections of August 26 seems to have started timidly. Apart from Ali Bongo’s opening meeting, the atmosphere in Libreville, the capital, remains calm and not very animated. The inhabitants do not feel any enthusiasm linked to the upcoming elections.
In the streets of Libreville, there are neither giant meetings, nor posters, nor banners. Only Ali Bongo appears on a few panels. The inhabitants of the Akanda district regret the absence of atmosphere which characterized the past elections. They say they don’t feel the usual excitement associated with the election campaign.
Some believe that only the ruling party has launched its campaign, while the opposition works together to find a single candidate before embarking on the official campaign.
State funding of election campaigns is also a matter of concern. The candidates deplore the lack of financial means to carry out a major presidential campaign.
All the main candidates are heading inland, hoping to end their campaign in Libreville, where much of Gabon’s population resides.
It is important to note that this electoral campaign in Gabon is marked by a lack of enthusiasm and animation, which contrasts with previous electoral deadlines. It remains to be seen whether this situation will change in the coming days and whether voter enthusiasm will increase