Libreville, Gabon – (African Boulevard News) – Gabon’s voters are lining up to register on the electoral lists after the government extended the deadline for registration. Presidential and parliamentary elections are scheduled to take place between the end of August and the beginning of September, although no official date has been announced yet. The move to extend the registration deadline has been widely welcomed, with many hoping it will encourage a higher turnout.
According to the country’s Ministry of the Interior, the registration deadline has been extended by two weeks to allow more people to register. The ministry has also increased the number of registration centers and extended their opening hours to ensure that everyone who wants to register can do so.
The extension of the registration deadline has been met with enthusiasm by both voters and political parties. Many people who had been unable to register before the deadline were pleased to have another chance to do so, while political parties hope the extension will lead to a higher voter turnout and a more representative election.
“This extension is a good thing for democracy,” says Léandre Nzengue, a political analyst. “It means that more people will have the opportunity to participate in the election, which will lead to a more representative outcome.”
The decision to extend the registration deadline comes amid concerns about the fairness of the election. Opposition parties have accused the government of limiting their ability to campaign, while some voters have complained about the difficulty of registering.
Despite these concerns, the government has insisted that the election will be fair and transparent, and has promised to work with all parties to ensure a peaceful outcome.
“The government is committed to holding a free and fair election,” says Interior Minister Lambert Noël Matha. “We will work with all parties to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate.”
With the registration deadline now extended, voters have a new opportunity to have their voice heard in Gabon’s upcoming elections. And with the promise of a fair and transparent process, many are hopeful that their vote will make a difference.
