The next elections in Gabon are already causing much ink to flow. Indeed, the Constitutional Court rejected the opposition’s requests concerning the use of the single ballot in presidential, legislative and local elections. This decision aroused mixed reactions among the opposition and the majority.
The single ballot, proposed by the Gabonese Elections Center (CGE), is seen as an innovation by some, while others believe that it does not respect the separation of powers. For the opposition, this decision of the Constitutional Court is a real disappointment.
Some opponents believe that the single ballot forces voters to vote by incidence, that is to say that they are obliged to vote for all the candidates of the same party, which calls into question the freedom of choice of the voters . They see this decision as a way to benefit the party in power.
For their part, the members of the majority are delighted with the adoption of the single ballot. According to them, this new voting method will simplify the electoral process and guarantee greater transparency. They invite the opposition to concentrate on the electoral campaign and to convince the voters.
This decision by the Constitutional Court raises questions about respect for democracy and fairness in the upcoming elections in Gabon. Some opposition candidates have already called on the UN to oversee the smooth running of the elections and guarantee fairness.
Now that the single ballot has been validated, Gabonese voters will have to get used to this new voting system. The electoral campaign has been open since August 11 and the elections will take place on the 26th. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact the electoral process and what the consequences will be for the final results.
In conclusion, the adoption of the single ballot in the next elections in Gabon is generating debate and controversy. While some see it as a step towards greater transparency and simplicity, others fear that it will restrict voters’ freedom of choice. We will have to wait for the results of the elections to assess the real impact of this decision on the political life of the country