The Gabonese government has announced that a political consultation between power and opposition will begin on February 13. Since last year, the adversaries of President Ali Bongo have been asking for a dialogue in order to obtain, in particular, a profound electoral reform. The Head of State has decided to accept discussions. But the opposition remains suspicious.
Revision of the electoral list, conveyance of ballot boxes, counting of votes, centralization of results… For Alexandre Barro Chambrier, the subjects of discussion and the needs for reform in Gabon are not lacking. The president of the Rassemblement pour la patrie et la modernité says he accepts the dialogue, while remaining cautious:
” It is about creating the conditions for a peaceful climate. But this requires that we be constructive. We hope that opposite, the same provisions are found and that it is not a question of pretending and attending a refusal to reform what must be. Because it is in the interest of our country, and that is what we must place above all partisan interests. »
According to him, the opposition should consult before the start of this dialogue, especially since for the moment, we do not know the agenda, nor the duration, nor the participants. Séraphin Akure Davain, deputy of the Les Démocrates party, expresses the same reservations:
” We do not have confidence and we fear a trick. But the empty chair policy has shown us that it is better to be there. Somehow, by modifying and adjusting, we must arrive at the truth of the ballot boxes. And that is why we will ask as a preliminary question: how will the decisions that will be taken be applied? »
The presidential party did not react to this announcement. In any case, the opposition is waiting to see the methods of organization and the movements invited, because certain formations are seen as instruments of power to divide them.
► To read also: Gabonese Election Center: opposition representatives suspend their participation there