Gabon’s upcoming elections are sparking heated debates and growing tensions, particularly regarding the introduction of the single ballot. The Constitutional Court rejected the opposition’s requests, thus validating the use of this new voting method. This decision was greeted with anger by some political opponents, who believe that the single ballot goes against the separation of powers.
The single ballot is a sheet of paper on which the candidates for the presidential, legislative and local elections will be presented. This initiative by the Gabonese Election Center (CGE) is presented as a real innovation, but it deeply divides the country’s political actors.
On the one hand, the ruling majority sees the introduction of the single ballot as a positive step forward, a way of simplifying the electoral process and strengthening transparency. For them, the opposition’s accusations are unfounded and reflect bad faith. According to them, it is time for the opposition to focus on the debate of ideas and work to convince voters rather than attacking the organization of elections.
On the other hand, the opposition strongly denounces this decision of the Constitutional Court, affirming that it favors the power in place and limits the freedom of choice of voters. For these opponents, linking votes for the presidential, legislative and local elections creates an unfair situation where voters are forced to support the entire list of candidates of a political party, rather than voting individually. They believe that this practice is contrary to democratic principles and endangers the separation of powers.
On the side of civil society, the debate rages. Some support the introduction of the single ballot, considering that this will simplify voting and reduce the risk of fraud. Others, on the contrary, are worried about potential manipulation and the loss of freedom of choice for voters.
In any case, the introduction of the single ballot will add a new dimension to the next elections in Gabon. Political parties will have to adapt to this new reality and develop campaign strategies accordingly. The results of these elections will therefore be closely scrutinized, both nationally and internationally, to assess the impact of this innovation on the country’s democratic process.