In Gabon, a new political era is dawning with the entry into office of the Transitional Parliament. After long negotiations and challenges before the Constitutional Court, the deputies and senators appointed by presidential decree can finally begin their legislative work. This is a crucial step in the country’s political transition process, marked by the departure of Marie-Madeleine Mborantsuo, who headed the Constitutional Court for more than thirty years.
The appointment of members of the Transition parliament was announced on October 6 by the President of the Transition, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguéma. However, this decision was challenged before the Constitutional Court by a lawyer and several political parties. The applicants raised several irregularities, including a violation of the Transition charter. Indeed, the initial version of the charter provided for a limited number of deputies and senators, but a revision carried out by the members of the office of the two chambers added more seats. The protesters considered this revision non-compliant and denounced the over-representation of certain political parties to the detriment of national inclusiveness.
Despite these challenges, the Constitutional Court found the referrals admissible on the form but rejected them on the merits. Indeed, the law required that referrals be accompanied by a copy of the contested act, which was not the case. Consequently, the presidential decrees appointing the members of the Transitional Parliament have been validated and they can finally begin their legislative mission.
This new stage in Gabon’s political transition raises both hopes and questions. The deputies and senators of the Transition will have the heavy task of contributing to the political stability of the country and taking into account the aspirations of all Gabonese people. The challenges are numerous, notably the reform of institutions, the fight against corruption and the promotion of national unity.
It is obvious that the Transitional Parliament will play a key role in building Gabon’s political future. The Gabonese hope that its members will live up to expectations and that they will work in the general interest, putting aside partisan interests. The road to true democracy and a better future for the country is still long, but this first step will surely mark a turning point in Gabon’s political history. The political world and citizens will closely follow the actions and decisions taken by this Transitional Parliament.