The Gabonese Union for Democracy and Development party, has expressed doubts that the vote could be held on time.

Possible Election Delay

Zacharie Myboto, leader of the Union for Democracy and Development party believes that the elections could face a delay of as much as 6 months. According to the constitution, interim president Rose Rogombe, who took up office on June 10, has a maximum of 45 days after becoming acting head of state in which to organize elections. The constitution only allows for an extension in extreme cases.

Even Gabonese Prime Minister Jean Eyeghe Ndong acknowledged that it will not be possible to hold the presidential election at the end of July, the constitutional deadline.

“We believe that within five months at the minimum, or six months maximum, we should be able to organise a free, transparent and credible election.”

says Jean Ndong, Gabon’s acting prie minister.

Observers and the country’s political parties think it may be necessary to delay the ballot to allow time to update Gabon’s voters’ rolls to allow for a smooth running of elections.