Title: Gabonese abroad deprived of their right to vote: an obstacle to democracy
Introduction :
The holding of general elections in Gabon on August 26, 2023 is causing controversy, in particular concerning the vote of Gabonese living abroad. While nearly 17,000 voters living abroad are expected to take part in the presidential election, voices are being raised to denounce the reduction in the number of polling stations abroad, thus depriving certain citizens of their right to vote. This situation has provoked the indignation of the NGO Tournons La Page, which believes that these Gabonese are deprived of an inalienable right. As responsibility shifts between the Gabonese Elections Center (CGE) and the government, anger is mounting among the Gabonese diaspora, particularly in France, where polling stations have been suppressed. This obstruction of the right to vote is perceived as a denial of democracy and fuels political tensions.
Reduced polling stations abroad, deprivation of the right to vote:
The controversy surrounding the voting of Gabonese abroad has its source in the reduction in the number of polling stations abroad compared to previous elections. While in 2016 more than thirty offices were open around the world, only 14 consular electoral commissions were deployed this year. This means that in many countries, such as Canada, Burkina Faso, Ghana or Germany, the Gabonese diaspora will not be able to exercise their right to vote. This situation has aroused the indignation of the NGO Tournons La Page, which denounces the fact that these Gabonese are deprived of an inalienable right.
Shared responsibility between CGE and government:
There is a debate about responsibility for reducing the number of polling stations abroad. While the CGE asserts that the Ministry of the Interior is in charge of this organization, the ministry points the finger at the CGE, claiming that it has drawn up the list of polling stations. This confusion and this shared responsibility risk generating litigation and calling into question the legitimacy of the vote. It is important that the CGE rectifies this situation and opens more polling stations abroad to allow all Gabonese abroad to exercise their right to vote.
The anger of the Gabonese diaspora in France:
The abolition of polling stations abroad has particularly affected the Gabonese diaspora in France. Polling stations planned in cities such as Nantes, Strasbourg, Toulouse, Rennes, Marseille and Lyon have been removed, depriving hundreds of voters of their right to vote. The opposition to outgoing President Ali Bongo denounces this maneuver, suspecting an attempt to influence the results in favor of the power in place. The Gabonese community of Marseille denounces this obstacle to the right to vote, accusing the Gabonese government and calling for rallies to express their dissatisfaction.
Conclusion :
The reduction in the number of polling stations abroad for the general elections in Gabon deprives many Gabonese of their basic right to vote. This situation, denounced by the NGO Tournons La Page, represents an obstacle to democracy and fuels political tensions. It is essential that the Gabonese government rectify this situation and guarantee all Gabonese abroad their right to vote. The Gabonese diaspora, particularly in France, expresses its anger and indignation at this deprivation of their democratic right