Gabon launches electoral process for September 27 local and legislative elections
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Members of Gabon’s national election commission sworn in by the Constitutional Court ahead of the September 27 vote.
Gabon Kicks Off Electoral Process Ahead of September Vote
Gabon has officially launched the electoral process for its upcoming local and legislative elections, set to take place on September 27. The announcement marks a key step in the country’s return to civilian governance following the 2023 military-led transition.
The national election commission unveiled the election timetable, and its members were sworn in by the Constitutional Court. Authorities say the process will be conducted in a “credible, transparent and peaceful” manner as Gabon enters a new political chapter under the Fifth Republic.
Electoral Roll Updates Begin July 14
The revision of electoral rolls — a key part of election preparation — will begin on July 14 and run until August 12. During this period, citizens can update their personal details, change their polling centers, and register if they have newly reached voting age.
All Gabonese citizens aged 18 and above who possess a Personal Identification Number (PIN) will be automatically added to the voter register, though they will need to select their preferred polling center.
Local electoral commissions are expected to be deployed by July 26, both within the country and abroad, to ensure the process runs smoothly.
Candidate Nominations Open July 27
The nomination window for candidates contesting both local and legislative elections will be open from July 27 to August 7. Candidates are expected to adhere strictly to guidelines issued by the Ministry of the Interior and the election commission to ensure fairness.
The Ministry called on all citizens to actively participate in the electoral process, saying the elections offer an opportunity to “strengthen the institutions of the Fifth Republic and build a future of stability and development.”
A New Political Landscape Under Oligui
The elections come just months after President Brice Oligui Nguema secured a sweeping victory in the April 2025 presidential election, winning nearly 95 percent of the vote.
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Oligui initially came to power in a 2023 coup that ended the decades-long rule of the Bongo family. He pledged a transitional period focused on reform and rebuilding democratic institutions. However, recent developments suggest a broader political ambition.
Last week, Oligui unveiled a new political party — the Democratic Union of Builders (UDB). The party’s creation is widely seen as an effort to provide a long-term political platform for the president and to formalize his transition from a military ruler to an elected leader.
Political analysts say the UDB’s formation represents a shift in strategy and possibly a move toward entrenching power through democratic means. “The launch of a party structure allows Oligui to engage in party politics while still presenting himself as a reformer,” said a Libreville-based analyst.
Challenges and Expectations
Despite the optimism, public skepticism remains. While some Gabonese citizens view the electoral process as a welcome step toward political normalization, others fear it may simply repackage military rule under a new party name.
“There’s hope that things are moving forward, but people also remember past promises that were never fulfilled,” said Grace Nguema, a voter in Port-Gentil. “We want real change — not just new names.”
Civil society organizations have called for independent monitoring, transparent vote counting, and equal access to campaign platforms for all parties. International observers are also expected to be present during the elections, though their deployment has not yet been confirmed.
Meanwhile, Oligui’s administration continues to promote the idea of a “Builder’s Republic”, a nation focused on infrastructure, good governance, and accountability. Whether these ideals will translate into action remains to be seen.
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