Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has strongly criticised the disqualification of several candidates from the upcoming legislative and local elections scheduled for 27 September 2025.
In a statement read by one of his advisers over the week-end, the President expressed solidarity with the disqualified candidates, who have accused the Ministry of the Interior of a lack of transparency and fairness in managing the electoral process. He described the rejections as “unacceptable practices” that undermine both electoral equity and the foundations of democracy.
Oligui Nguema reminded his administration of its duty to uphold democratic values, insisting that transparency, discipline, and respect for republican rules were non-negotiable. He urged the relevant authorities to act responsibly, impartially, and diligently to ensure credible polls. Having been widely endorsed by Gabonese voters during the April presidential election, the president stressed that the upcoming legislative and local elections must be conducted under the same conditions of integrity, peace, and transparency. Dozens of candidates have so far been barred from contesting the polls.