Gabon has officially launched the electoral process for its upcoming local and legislative elections, set to take place on September 27, 2025. In a key step toward shaping the country’s political future under the Fifth Republic, the Constitutional Court has sworn in members of the national election commission, and a comprehensive election timetable has been released.
Voter Roll Revision Begins
Starting July 14 through August 12, electoral rolls across the country will be revised to add new voters, update personal data, and remove ineligible or deceased individuals. Citizens aged 18 and over with a valid Personal Identification Number (PIN) are automatically registered and only need to select their preferred polling center.
Local electoral commissions will be established by July 26, ensuring nationwide and diaspora-level coordination. Candidate nominations for both local and legislative positions will be open from July 27 to August 7.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency
The Ministry of the Interior and the national election commission have pledged to deliver “credible, transparent, and peaceful” elections, urging citizens to actively participate in the democratic process and contribute to the building of the Fifth Republic.
Political Context: Oligui’s Strategic Shift
The elections come at a politically pivotal moment for Gabon. Two years after seizing power in a military coup, President Brice Oligui Nguema has established a new political party—the Democratic Union of Builders (UDB). Oligui, who won nearly 95% of the vote in April’s presidential election, now appears to be consolidating power as he transitions from military ruler to long-term political leader.
The formation of the UDB marks a significant evolution in Gabon’s political landscape, providing Oligui with both institutional legitimacy and a platform to advance his governance agenda.
As the country prepares for its next chapter, the coming months will be critical in determining whether the Fifth Republic lives up to its democratic promise.
