In Gabon, a political consultation between the majority and the opposition began on February 13, 2023, with a view to the elections – presidential ones in particular – scheduled for 2023. In the preamble, the Head of State Ali Bongo Ondimba announced that the future elective terms will be for a period of 5 years.
With our correspondent in Libreville, Yves-Laurent Goma
In Gabon, the opening ceremony of the political consultation convened by the country’s President Ali Bongo to achieve transparent and uncontested political elections ended on February 13, 2023.
This ceremony took place at the presidential palace. Almost all the main political leaders of the majority and the opposition were present. The ceremony was short, with only one speech: that of the Head of State.
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From the outset, Ali Bongo made one big announcement: all elective terms in Gabon will henceforth be limited to 5 years. That of the President of the Republic is for example 7 years. For senators, it is 6 years.
It is unclear whether the number of terms will be so limited. Currently, deputies, senators and even the President of the Republic can present themselves as many times as they wish.
Majority and opposition must each present a list of 30 members
For the continuation of the consultation, Ali Bongo asked for two lists: one of thirty members of the opposition and another of thirty of the majority. The two camps have these February 13 and 14 to submit their lists.
The work will take place under tents, in the esplanade of the Ministry of Defense, just next to the presidential palace. They will last 10 days.
Recommendations
At the end of the work, the participants will make recommendations and they will be implemented, according to President Bongo Ondimba.
Addressing civil society, religious denominations, trade unions and other actors who were offended at not having been invited to this consultation, Ali Bongo indicated that the government will organize meetings for them to enable them to express their concerns for free, credible, transparent and peaceful elections in Gabon.
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