The Network of Free Organizations for Good Governance (ROLBG) and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), in partnership with the French and Dutch ministries of foreign affairs, organized a workshop on Saturday in Libreville to explore the role and contribution that should be theirs in the process of reforming the electoral code. The work of this workshop was financed by the European Union.
Several recommendations were made at the end of this workshop, aimed at guaranteeing credible elections in Gabon, notably relating to total transparency at all stages of the electoral process, from voter registration to publication of results. , with free and equal access for all stakeholders.
Civil society actors also spoke out on the establishment of mechanisms likely to ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, so that everyone can campaign under fair conditions in terms of access to the media, financing and security.
“It was a question of making proposals within the framework of the inclusion opened by the president of the transition, who announced the creation of a Committee which will be responsible for drafting the new electoral law. It is in this context that we will insert ourselves. We are going to formulate our plea so that civil society, in particular organizations which work on democracy, which work on elections, are included in this Committee so that the citizen way can be taken into account”underlined Georges Mpaga, president of ROLBG.
The participants in this workshop also plead in favor of the establishment of an independent electoral observatory, allowing the presence of independent national and international electoral observers to monitor the entire electoral process. The Observatory will ensure respect for the will of voters, so that the electoral results faithfully reflect their will, without fraud or manipulation.
“What is important is that we are preparing, because in the new normative framework of the Constitution, we are no longer talking about multi-partyism, but about participatory plurality. Civil society has a fundamental role to play”explained Nicaise Moulombi, president of the High Council of Non-State Actors of Gabon (HCANEG).
Gabonese civil society, in particular the ROLBG, is thus positioning itself as a supporting force in the transition process, based on the African Charter on human rights, democracy, governance and elections.
This workshop brought together 35 actors from civil society, representing the main organizations committed to democracy and electoral transparency, who underlined at the end of the work, the importance of harmonizing points of view to formulate recommendations allowing Gabonese electoral system to meet democratic requirements and respect for human rights.
This workshop takes place in the context of the launch of the process of developing the future Electoral Code in Gabon, with the establishment on Saturday of the Committee responsible for drafting the said Code. This committee, headed by the Minister for the Restoration of Institutions, Murielle Minkoué Mintsa, has 15 days to present the version of the preliminary draft of the expected electoral law.
Feeodora Madiba and Tryphene Lembah
2024-12-08 12:59:00
#Civil #society #preparing
What are the primary goals of ROLBG regarding the reform of Gabon’s electoral code?
I’m pleased to have with us today Georges Mpaga, the president of the Network of Free Organizations for Good Governance, or ROLBG. Thank you for joining us, Georges.
**Georges Mpaga:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** We understand you recently participated in a workshop focused on reforming Gabon’s electoral code. Can you tell us about the goals of this workshop and what your organization hopes to achieve?
**Georges Mpaga:** Certainly. This workshop, organized by ROLBG and IDEA with the support of the French and Dutch governments and the EU, was a crucial step in ensuring transparent and credible elections in Gabon. Our primary goals are:
* **Transparency**: We want to see complete transparency throughout the electoral process, from voter registration to the announcement of results, with equal access for all stakeholders.
* **Fair Competition**: We’re advocating for mechanisms guaranteeing a level playing field for all candidates, ensuring fair access to media, funding, and security during campaigns.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the importance of civil society involvement. Can you elaborate on why this is so vital for a successful democratic process?
**Georges Mpaga:** Absolutely. Civil society organizations are at the heart of a healthy democracy. We provide essential scrutiny, promote citizen participation, and hold those in power accountable.
As Gabon transitions to participatory plurality under the new constitution, we believe it’s crucial that civil society organizations, particularly those focused on elections and democracy, are actively involved in drafting the new electoral law. Our experience and insights are invaluable in ensuring a fair and inclusive system.
**Interviewer:** What are some of the specific recommendations that emerged from the workshop?
**Georges Mpaga:** We proposed several key recommendations, including the establishment of an independent electoral observatory to monitor the entire electoral process. This observatory would ensure the will of the voters is respected and that the results reflect their choices without fraud or manipulation.
**Interviewer:** This sounds like a positive step toward building a stronger democracy in Gabon.
Georges Mpaga: We’re hopeful. The workshop was a significant starting point, and we’ll continue advocating for these reforms. It’s essential that all Gabonese citizens have confidence in their electoral system. This workshop brought us closer to that goal.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Georges, for sharing your insights with us today.
