Gabon has approved a new electoral code to facilitate upcoming presidential elections, marking progress towards re-establishing civilian rule after a military coup. The code introduces provisions allowing military and judicial candidates and designates seats for citizens abroad. The transitional government remains focused on ensuring fair and transparent electoral processes as it navigates this period of change.
Gabon has made significant strides towards reinstating civilian governance by adopting a new electoral code, a crucial move following the military coup that ousted the Bongo family’s decades-long rule. The transitional national parliament has approved this electoral framework, which paves the way for presidential elections scheduled for August, two years after the coup led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, who has expressed his ambition to lead the nation.
The recent developments in Gabon are set against the backdrop of a historical transition from over 55 years of Bongo family rule. Following a constitution adopted in a November referendum, the new electoral code encompasses 383 articles crafted by a national commission. This reform includes provisions allowing military and judicial officials to participate in elections under specific conditions, stirring concerns regarding its implications on the electoral process.
In conclusion, Gabon’s adoption of a new electoral code marks a pivotal moment in its strategy to establish democratic governance following a coup. The transitional government appears committed to ensuring a credible and transparent electoral process, as demonstrated by the new regulations allowing broader candidacy. Empirical checks and balances are crucial to maintaining the integrity of upcoming elections and continuing the country’s progress towards civilian rule.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
