The transitional Prime Minister of Gabon, Raymond Ndong Sima, has announced a 24-month transition period following the coup d’état that ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba on August 30, 2023. This period, deemed “reasonable” by Sima, aims to prepare for free elections but prohibits members of the provisional government from running for office.
Gabon entered a period of political transition following the coup d’état at the end of August 2023, which removed President Ali Bongo Ondimba from power. Transitional Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima has, for the first time, declared a timeline for this transition, suggesting that a 24-month period would be “reasonable.” This decision is intended to create the necessary conditions for free and fair elections.
However, it is important to note that the transition charter, established by the military authorities that took control, prohibits members of the provisional government from participating in the upcoming elections. This means that Raymond Ndong Sima himself will not be able to run in these elections. General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, the transitional president, is exempt from this restriction, opening the door to a potential candidacy.
The transitional Prime Minister emphasized the importance of including representatives from all political factions in the transitional process. He expects that these political actors will participate in drafting foundational texts and will discuss the duration of the transition, as well as who is eligible to run in the elections. However, Raymond Ndong Sima expressed concerns about potential military candidacies, stressing their role as impartial arbiters in the electoral process.
