Gabon's National Dialogue Proposes Suspending Political Parties and Barring Ex-President's Party

Gabon's National Inclusive Dialogue (DNI) has proposed the temporary suspension of nearly 200 political parties and barring members of ousted President Ali Bongo's Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG) from participating in elections for three years. The measure aims to eliminate parties created for corruption and personal reasons, and prevent alleged vote-buying by PDG officials.

The DNI, which included representatives from various sectors, recommended suspending all legally recognized political parties pending the establishment of new rules governing their functioning. It also proposed that the PDG be suspended for three years with immediate effect, and investigations be launched against its leaders, barring them from standing in the next elections.

The military, led by General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, had accused Bongo's regime and his extended family of falsifying election results, poor governance, and massive corruption when justifying the coup eight months ago. However, Oligui has named several PDG members to the DNI, and others continue to hold powerful positions in the government.

Why this matters: The proposed measures have divided the opposition, with some arguing that they would undermine democracy and allow Oligui to cruise to victory in the 2025 elections. The inclusion of PDG members in the dialogue and their continued presence in government positions raise questions about the potential for a truly inclusive path towards civilian rule.

The DNI has also recommended transitioning Gabon from a semi-presidential to a presidential system, with a directly elected president serving a seven-year mandate renewable once. The new constitution based on the dialogue's recommendations will be put to a referendum in June.

The DNI's recommendations are not binding, and the announcements were met with shouts of 'Oligui president' and a proposition to extend military rule by a year 'if necessary.' The presidential election is scheduled for August 2025, at the end of a two-year transition promised by the military, and Oligui has not hidden his intention to run.

Key Takeaways

• Gabon's National Inclusive Dialogue proposes suspending 200+ political parties.
• PDG, Bongo's party, to be suspended for 3 years, barring members from elections.
• Dialogue includes PDG members, raising questions about inclusive civilian rule.
• Transition to presidential system with 7-year renewable term proposed, to be voted on.
• Military ruler Oligui intends to run in 2025 elections, despite dialogue recommendations.