According to the rules in force in Gabon, only one person will be authorized to run in next year's presidential election as part of the transition: this is the head of state, General Oligui Nguema. However, not everyone agrees with this clause of the Transition Charter and the National Dialogue, which effectively excludes all other transition actors. François Ndong Obiang, first vice-president of the National Assembly, spoke online from Libreville to answer questions from Christophe Boisbouvier. He first addressed the constitutional project which aims to abolish the post of Prime Minister.
According to the draft Constitution, if it is adopted, the president and his government will no longer be subject to the control of Parliament in the exercise of their daily functions in Gabon. Does this not concern you?
According to François Ndong Obiang, the text will probably be modified as discussions progress in Parliament and with the Constituent Assembly. The subsequent referendum will ultimately determine the Gabonese opinion on the issue.
Do you mean that, in the upcoming changes, there could be a reintroduction of the position of Prime Minister?
There will definitely be discussions about this. Some are in favor of maintaining a Prime Minister so that the President has a shield and is not exposed to criticism linked to the daily management of the State. Others believe it is possible to move directly to a presidential system where the president would assume the role of government, meaning there would no longer be a need for a shield. It is said that since the establishment of this function, the Prime Minister has hardly exercised his power. But these discussions will be carried out in different forums in order to determine whether the Prime Minister must be given all the freedom necessary to implement government policy and whether he must be given all the respect due to him so that he can have a significant impact on it. However, if certain ministers turn exclusively to the head of state and adopt behaviors that go beyond their missions, we can then wonder what is the usefulness of the Prime Minister.
According to the findings of the National Dialogue, those involved in the ongoing transition will not be able to run as candidates in next year's presidential election. What is your opinion on this?
As for me, I think it is too early today to exclude or eliminate certain candidates. Should this be enshrined in the Constitution? I don't know. But I believe that an actor in the transition who aspires to a presidential position must have the legitimacy of his action. I don't see why we would exclude it. However, we must discuss it with those around us to ensure that the elections take place in a peaceful climate and that everyone has an equal chance to compete.
In addition, during the same discussions, the National Dialogue also decided to maintain the exceptional provision of the Transition Charter which allows General Oligui Nguema to run in the presidential election. Are you in favor of this measure?
Although Oligui Nguema has expressed interest in running for president, it is important not to speculate too early in Gabon. He has not yet officially announced his candidacy. However, if this were to be the case, it is likely that other transition actors could also come forward to ensure a peaceful and inclusive election at the end of this transition period. It is crucial that we emerge from this period with a fair and representative election for all the citizens of Gabon.
Are there any restrictions or exclusions in the use of the application?
There is no exclusion, that's it, absolutely everyone can access it.
With a referendum planned for the end of the year and a presidential election next year, the National Assembly recently adopted an electoral code which gives the Minister of the Interior responsibility for these polls. However, 13 MPs voted against the move, fearing it would favor the ruling party.
I am absolutely not concerned about this situation. The government in place has clearly indicated, through the remarks of the Minister of the Interior, that their desire to accelerate the electoral process was limited to the referendum. I trust that the authorities do not intend to cheat and I refuse to believe otherwise.
However, the fact that 13 of your colleagues voted against indicates some concern within your Assembly, doesn't it?
Although there are concerns from 13 MPs, the adopted law will allow us to hold a referendum, after which the timetable for the transition will return to normal. According to this schedule, after the adoption of the Constitution in the referendum, we will vote on electoral laws and political parties. This timetable has been set and so far, President Oligui is scrupulously complying with it.
So the new electoral code which was adopted could be modified at the beginning of next year before the presidential election?
It is totally true. There is no point in discussing the electoral code if we are not seriously considering a way to organize peaceful elections. Even though the ruling military seems to favor elections, I don't think they want chaotic and violent elections. After the transition, we all want the next elections to be legitimate. A new electoral code will be drawn up after a referendum and a new law on political parties will set new conditions.
