The vote of Gabonese abroad for the general elections in Gabon on August 26, 2023 is a matter of debate. The NGO Tournons La Page is concerned about the reduced number of polling stations that will be open abroad compared to the 2016 presidential election. this time, against more than thirty in 2016. Some Gabonese living abroad find themselves deprived of their right to vote.
This situation is causing concern and anger among the Gabonese diaspora around the world. In countries such as Canada, Burkina Faso, Ghana or Germany, Gabonese will not be able to vote for lack of polling stations. Tournons La Page denounces this deprivation of rights by the Gabonese government.
The responsibility for this situation is the object of a return of the ball between the Gabonese Election Center (CGE) and the government. The CGE claims that polling stations abroad are set up by the Ministry of the Interior, while the ministry claims that the list was compiled by the CGE. A source in the ministry also criticizes the suppression of polling stations in countries where only a few Gabonese are present, while ignoring other countries where hundreds of citizens live.
The Gabonese diaspora, particularly in France, expresses its anger at this situation. Polling stations were abolished in cities such as Nantes, Strasbourg, Toulouse, Rennes, Marseille and Lyon, depriving hundreds of voters of their right to vote. The opposition accuses the government of trying to influence the results by suppressing polling stations in areas where it is traditionally strong. Demonstrations are planned in Marseille and Paris to protest against this situation.
It is regrettable to note that the Gabonese community abroad is confronted with such an obstacle to its right to vote. The Gabonese government should take steps to ensure greater inclusiveness and better representation of all Gabonese living abroad in general elections