Last Saturday, Gabon held simultaneous legislative and local elections described as a pivotal moment in the transitional phase led by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema for the past six months.

Although the elections were generally peaceful, attention remains focused on the counting results that will determine the balance of power within the parliament and local councils.

Notable Participation Amid Calls for Transparency

A significant voter turnout was recorded, especially in the capital Libreville, since the early hours of polling stations opening. These elections are expected to elect 145 deputies to the National Assembly, in addition to thousands of representatives in regional and municipal councils.

While the president’s party, the Democratic Union of the Builders, seeks to secure a comfortable majority, the Gabonese Democratic Party tries to maintain its traditional base, and opposition forces bet on regaining their presence despite what they consider a “deliberate decline of their role” during the transitional phase.

Some independent observers noted that turnout alone is not enough to measure transparency; the publication of results and appeal mechanisms must be awaited.

Calm Atmosphere Despite Recorded Violations

Despite the generally peaceful nature, the Ministry of Interior announced the cancellation of voting in the Ntoum district on the outskirts of Libreville due to local tensions and the absence of some ballots.

The opposition viewed the incident as “evidence of ongoing organizational gaps,” while authorities confirmed the cancellation as a “precautionary measure to ensure the integrity of the process.”

Civil organizations called for strengthening independent monitoring to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

Gabonese people await to see which political forces will emerge strengthened from this election, while a second round is scheduled for October 11 in constituencies not decided in the first round.