The general elections in Gabon in August 2023: a historic moment for the country
Gabon will experience a historic moment this Saturday, August 26, 2023 with the holding of general elections. For the first time in the country’s history, Gabonese will have the opportunity to vote simultaneously for the presidential, legislative and local elections. This triple election is a major event that marks an important step in Gabonese democracy.
The outgoing president, Ali Bongo, is seeking a third term. He faces thirteen candidates, including Albert Ondo Ossa, supported by the main opposition parties. This election is particularly important because it represents a major challenge for the political future of Gabon.
Albert Ondo Ossa, the main revelation of this electoral campaign, embodies the hope of political change. Coming from Alternance 2023, a union of the radical opposition, Ondo Ossa arouses the enthusiasm of the crowds and gives hope to those who aspire to a change of governance. As an economics professor and former minister, he has the skills and experience to lead the country.
Facing him, Ali Bongo is counting on his many supporters and on the machine of the Gabonese Democratic Party to win a “victory by knockout”. Despite the difficulties related to a stroke five years ago, the outgoing president showed his determination and his activity during the electoral campaign.
However, one of the main concerns of this ballot is transparency. Following the controversial elections of 2016 which caused a serious political crisis, it is essential that these elections take place in a transparent and incident-free manner. The opposition and civil society expressed concern about the electoral process, including last-minute reforms, the use of a single ballot for presidential and legislative elections, and the absence of international observers.
To guarantee the transparency of the vote, civil society organizations have decided to train a thousand observers who will be deployed in six of the country’s nine provinces to observe the voting process and compile the results. This initiative aims to ensure independent monitoring of the electoral process and to guarantee the integrity of the ballot.
The general elections in Gabon in August 2023 are therefore a crucial event for the country. They represent a unique opportunity for Gabonese to express their voice and participate in building the political future of the country. Transparency, political alternation and citizen participation are essential elements to guarantee free and fair elections. Let’s hope that these elections will mark a further step towards a democratic and prosperous Gabon