Gabon is facing a period of political transition following the August 2023 coup that toppled President Ali Bongo Ondimba. In this delicate period, the transitional Prime Minister, Raymond Ndong Sima, takes the floor to specify the objectives and deadlines to be respected before organizing free elections.
According to Raymond Ndong Sima, a two-year transition period is a reasonable objective to allow the establishment of a democratic electoral process. He emphasizes, however, that this duration could be slightly adjusted depending on the needs and the progress made during the transition.
The main objective of this transition period is to achieve free and transparent elections. However, it is important to note that members of the provisional government, including Raymond Ndong Sima himself, will not be able to run in the next elections. This measure aims to guarantee the impartiality and objectivity of the electoral process.
As for the candidacy of the transitional president, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, nothing seems to exclude his participation in the elections. However, the Prime Minister emphasizes the importance of the military remaining as impartial and objective arbiters of the election, and therefore it would not be desirable for them to present themselves.
It is important to note that the transition period in Gabon raises expectations and questions from civil society. Some representatives of civil society requested clarification regarding the transition charter, particularly with regard to the ineligibility of the transitional president and the representativeness of the different actors within the Transitional Assembly. These requests demonstrate the desire of the various actors to ensure a democratic and inclusive transition.
In conclusion, the transition period in Gabon is a delicate period full of expectations. The two-year deadline set by the transitional Prime Minister, Raymond Ndong Sima, for the organization of free elections seems to be a reasonable objective. However, it is essential that this transition takes place in a transparent and inclusive manner, ensuring the participation of all political actors and preserving the impartiality of the military.