GABON’S political landscape faces turbulence as the country’s opposition grapples with a divisive proposal put forth during the national dialogue. The measure suggests suspending close to 200 political parties indefinitely and imposing a three-year electoral ban on members of the ousted President Ali Bongo’s Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG).
Proponents argue that the proposal aims to eliminate parties formed for corrupt motives and personal agendas while curbing alleged vote-buying practices by PDG officials. However, critics fear that such measures could stifle democratic expression.
Leaders of the national dialogue, branded as Gabon’s Inclusive National Dialogue, have presented a plethora of recommendations to transitional president General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. These resolutions were formally conveyed to Oligui on Tuesday in the presence of Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadera, who serves as the regional mediator for Gabon’s transition to civilian rule following the bloodless coup on August 30 that ousted Bongo, ending the Bongo family’s 57-year reign.
Aside from the proposal to suspend political parties and bar PDG leaders from elections temporarily, the dialogue advocates for legislative measures to curb the proliferation of parties driven by egoistic motives, according to a VOA report.
However, dissenting voices within the dialogue express concerns that the suspension of political parties could pave the way for Oligui’s electoral victory in the upcoming August 2025 elections.
Joel Ngouenini, president of the Seven Wonders of Gabon’s People (7MP) party, cautioned against undermining democratic principles, emphasising that true democracy entails the right of citizens to freely express their political affiliations through the ballot.
In contrast, Noel Bertrand Boundzanga, who chairs the commission advocating for the suspension of political parties, defends the proposal as a necessary step for Gabon’s democratic progress. He asserts that the measure, adopted unanimously by the political commission, will deter politicians from exploiting party affiliations for personal gain.
Amidst deliberations, other recommendations from the dialogue include maintaining the two-year transition period towards democratic rule, transitioning to a presidential system, and proposing a seven-year presidential mandate renewable once from August 2025.
As the month-long dialogue concludes, Oligui announces plans for a new constitution, incorporating the dialogue’s recommendations, with a referendum scheduled for June.
