Gabon: 33 political parties face dissolution after failing to meet new legal requirements

Thirty-three Gabonese political parties are at risk of dissolution after failing to submit their regularization files by the June deadline, as mandated by Law No. 16/2025. Out of 102 legally recognized parties, only 69 submitted the required documents, announced Adrien Nguema Mba, the Minister of Interior, Security, and Decentralization, in a statement dated July 1. The submitted files are currently undergoing rigorous review by administrative services to ensure compliance with legal criteria. This reform, stemming from recommendations of the April 2024 Inclusive National Dialogue, aims to restructure Gabon's political landscape by consolidating pluralism and eliminating inactive parties or those lacking genuine national presence. The new law requires parties to demonstrate a real militant base, a structured internal organization, national establishment, a registered office, a bank account, administrative organization, financial transparency, and effective representation across the country. The government intends to create a more structured and representative party system for the Fifth Republic, ensuring that only parties with genuine national roots and good internal governance participate in future elections.