Gabon is a country located in Central Africa. It operates as a republic, with a presidential system. Here is some information about the election system in Gabon:
- Presidential Elections: The President of Gabon is the head of state and is elected directly by the people through a two-round system. If no candidate receives an absolute majority in the first round, a second round is held between the two candidates who received the highest number of votes. Presidential elections in Gabon typically occur every seven years.
- National Assembly Elections: The National Assembly is the legislative body of Gabon. Members of the National Assembly are elected through a mixed electoral system. Some seats are filled through direct elections in single-member constituencies, while others are allocated based on proportional representation. The number of seats in the National Assembly is determined by the population of each province.
- Political Parties: Gabon has a multi-party system, with several political parties participating in elections. The major political parties in Gabon include the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), the Union Nationale (UN), the Rally for Gabon (RPG), and the Social Democratic Party (PSD), among others.
- Electoral Process: The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENAP) is responsible for organizing and overseeing elections in Gabon. It manages voter registration, candidate nominations, and the conduct of elections. The electoral process aims to ensure transparency and fairness, although there have been instances of electoral disputes and challenges in the past.
- Voter Eligibility: Gabonese citizens who are at least 18 years old have the right to vote in presidential and parliamentary elections. Voter registration is required, and citizens must be included in the electoral roll to participate. Gabonese citizens living abroad can also vote through special provisions.
It is important to note that Gabon has experienced political stability under the long-standing rule of the Bongo family. However, there have been calls for political reforms and increased political participation in the country.
