The deadline for candidate submissions for the general elections in Gabon has ended, with 27 candidates submitting their documents for the presidential election on August 26th. Among them is the incumbent president, Ali Bongo Ondimba, while Jean Ping, the main opposition figure to Ali Bongo since 2016, has decided not to participate in the election, citing a lack of transparency and credibility.
On Sunday evening, the Gabonese Electoral Center (CGE) closed the candidate submission period for the municipal, legislative, and presidential elections, which will take place on August 26th in Gabon. For the presidential election, 27 candidates submitted their documents to the CGE, including the incumbent president, Ali Bongo Ondimba. The CGE will examine the documents starting this Monday, July 17th, and will publish the final list of qualified candidates by July 26th.
Jean Ping, the main opposition figure to Ali Bongo since 2016, has decided not to participate in the presidential election, expressing concerns about the transparency and credibility of the election. Ali Bongo Ondimba, aged 64 and in power since 2009, is running for a third term and will compete against 26 other candidates in the one-round presidential election.
Recently, changes were made to the Electoral Code, including the requirement for candidates to declare their assets and provide a residency certificate proving their continuous presence in the country over the past two years. These changes were adopted following constitutional amendments and political discussions in February 2023.
The electoral competition has been marked by political tensions, as demonstrated by the attempt of several opposition leaders, accompanied by their supporters, to storm the Senate to protest against an elections bill. Some opponents have criticized the changes made to the Electoral Code less than two months before the election. The government has stated that these changes were in response to the opposition’s demand.
