President Oligui Nguema proposes mandatory voting in Gabon to strengthen electoral legitimacy

He emphasized the need to combat abstention to reinforce the legitimacy of elections, stating that this is an opportunity to consider legal provisions to make voting compulsory. This proposal is part of a broader effort to reform institutions and consolidate democracy, building on existing electoral modernizations and the organization of peaceful, free, and transparent elections. The President suggested that citizen participation should not be left solely to individual will, especially when it affects the democratic system's vitality.

He mentioned the possibility of a more credible electoral register and the implementation of incentive or coercive mechanisms to ensure a more accurate representation of national aspirations. Observers note that this proposal reflects a broader vision of citizenship, linking it to the "republican obligation" and aiming to rebalance duties and rights in a rebuilding democracy. This initiative raises significant legal and societal questions, requiring collective adherence and guarantees of fairness in its application.