Joint statement of the United Nations, the Economic Community of Central African States, the International Organization of La Francophonie, the European Union and the United States of America
At the start of the electoral campaign, the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), the General Secretariat of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Embassy of the United States of America, and the Delegation of the European Union to Gabon, in agreement with the Embassies of Germany, Spain, France and Italy to Gabon, welcome the legislative and local elections held in Gabon in October 2018. These legislative elections, which are taking place after several postponements, will allow Gabonese citizens to choose new deputies to represent them.
The legislative elections are organized in accordance with the new electoral framework adopted in January 2018, which gives the Gabonese Electoral Center special responsibility for the conduct of the electoral process. The organization of transparent, inclusive and credible elections is fundamental to contribute to national reconciliation and peacebuilding in Gabon. In this respect, respect for freedom of expression, assembly, movement and the right to information, as well as equal access to the media for political actors during the electoral process are essential.
UNOCA, OIF, the General Secretariat of ECCAS, the Embassy of the United States of America, and the Delegation of the European Union in agreement with the Embassies of Germany, Spain, France and Italy to Gabon, encourage all stakeholders to ensure that these electoral consultations are conducted in a peaceful manner, contribute to the appeasement of the country and constitute a real opportunity for the consolidation of democracy in the Gabonese Republic.
Libreville, September 24, 2018
