Gabon’s Ministry of the Interior, Security and Decentralization has reminded prospective candidates of the legal procedures for contesting election decisions, one month ahead of the legislative and local elections scheduled for September 27.
The National Commission for the Organization and Coordination of Elections and Referendum (CNOCER) issued the notice on Wednesday, following the publication of the consolidated candidate lists in the daily newspaper L’Union.
“In accordance with Organic Law No. 001/2025 of January 19, 2025, on the Electoral Code, any candidate whose application has been rejected may appeal to the competent courts to challenge this decision,” CNOCER stated.
The appeal period, initially opened after the first publication of the lists on August 20, now runs from the date of the consolidated list’s release on August 28.
The commission acknowledged that several complaints had already been received, particularly regarding omissions or rejections of candidates, and said that the consolidated lists reflect the necessary corrections.
The President of CNOCER emphasised that candidates must submit any appeals directly to the courts. “Local electoral commissions are not authorised to receive new candidacies, but only to transmit the files already submitted and to issue notifications of rejection,” he said.
The reminder underscores the commission’s commitment to ensuring transparency and adherence to the legal framework governing Gabon’s elections. Authorities have described the upcoming polls as a pivotal moment in the country’s democratic development.
By clarifying the appeal process and deadlines, CNOCER aims to guarantee the regularity of the electoral process, ensuring that candidates and voters alike can engage confidently with the democratic system.
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