Gabon: Ruling party likely to win October 6 elections /update 3

Event

Results of the local and legislative elections - held without incident on Saturday, October 6 - are likely to be released on Monday, October 8. According to a government spokesperson, the ruling PDG party (Parti Démocratique Gabonais) has already won 80 of 143 seats at the National Assembly, based on preliminary results. Voter turnout was relatively low, mostly due to disinterest and low confidence in the electoral system as voting is traditionally marred by fraud.

An increased security presence can be expected in major urban centers following the release of the results as associated protests cannot be ruled out.

A second round of elections should be held on October 27 where necessary.

Context

These legislative elections had been delayed multiple times by the Constitutional Court since December 2016, officially due to a lack of resources.

Advice

Travelers in Gabon are advised to keep abreast of the situation, postpone international land and sea travel, and avoid all public gatherings due to the potential for violence.