Commonwealth Observer Group Calls for Electoral Reforms in Gabon

The Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) has released its report on the 2025 Presidential Election in Gabon, recommending that institutional and capacity-building reforms be undertaken as soon as possible to strengthen the country’s democratic processes.

The Group acknowledged that Gabon was in transition at the time of the election and therefore proposed a two-pronged approach: short-term actions to support the upcoming local and parliamentary elections later this year, complemented by long-term measures for institutional capacity building to ensure sustainable progress.

The report commended the establishment of the Election and Referendum Control Authority (ACER), which it said played a crucial role in the electoral process. However, to further strengthen ACER’s role in the upcoming elections, the report recommends that members be more proactive in ensuring compliance with electoral laws and regulations. This, it added, can be achieved through comprehensive training on the Electoral Code, assessments to ensure members have a thorough understanding of the law, and extending the appointment period of ACER members to allow for more effective execution of their mandate.

The report also commended polling staff, candidates, law enforcement agencies, civil society, and the media for their contributions to the successful conduct of the election.

Releasing the report, Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon. Shirley Botchwey said:
“The Commonwealth Observer Group’s report on Gabon’s presidential election marks an important step in our collective pursuit of resilient democratic institutions, improved electoral integrity, and transparency. The short-term recommendations in the report will be helpful even as the country heads to the polls in September, in further fulfilment of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group mandate. I commend the people of Gabon for their peaceful participation and look forward to continuing our support for their democratic journey.”

The final report was drafted in-country, then finalised and approved by the Group’s Chairperson, former President of Seychelles H.E. Danny Faure, and other observers. It builds on the initial findings of the preliminary statement issued two days after the presidential election.

The report has since been shared with the government and other relevant stakeholders in Gabon.

Read the Commonwealth Observer Group’s final report.