Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Each commune and department forms one electoral constituency.
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, revised 2005, art. 34, 35
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view
(2017)
Verified: 2025/04/28
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population e . Geographic size of district
Comments:
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, revised 2005, art. 34, 35
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view
(2017)
Verified: 2025/04/28
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . Legislature (1st chamber) e . Electoral Management Body (EMB)
Comments:
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, art. 8, 34, 35
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view
(2017)
Verified: 2025/04/28
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
b . Directly elected in general elections (simple majority)
Comments: The president is elected for a 7 year term by direct, universal suffrage. He can be reelected. The candidate who obtains the greatest number of votes is declared President.
Source: Constitution, art. 8, 9
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gabon_1997?lang=en
(2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The Prime Minister is appointed by the President.
Source: Constitution, art. 15 & 29
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gabon_1997?lang=en
(2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art. 8 - 27
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gabon_1997?lang=en
(2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: The Parliament is composed of 2 chambers: the National Assembly and the Senate.
Source: Constitution, art. 35
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gabon_1997?lang=en
(2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
a . Plurality (FPTP)
Comments: The members of the Senate carry the title of Senator. They are elected for a duration of six years by indirect universal suffrage. They must be forty years of age, at least. The Senate assures the representation of the local collectivities.
Source: http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2116_A.htm (2017)
Constitution, art 35
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gabon_1997?lang=en
Verified: 2017/03/24
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
b . Separate legislation
Comments:
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view
(2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections b . Regional elections c . Local elections d . Referendums
Comments:
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, art. 1, 3
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view
(2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, art. 4
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view (2017)
Constitution art 4
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gabon_1997?lang=en
(2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary
Comments: The Administrative Court and the Constitutional Court
Art 84: The Constitutional Court is seized, in the case of contestation of the validity of an election, by any voter, any candidate, any political party or the delegate of the Government under the conditions provided for by the organic law.
Source: Consitution, article 83, 84
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gabon_1997?lang=en
Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, art. 119
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view (2017)
Organic Law Organic Law No. 9/91 of 26 September 1991 on the Constitutional Court, amended by Organic Law No. 13/94 of September 17, 1994 and Organic Law No. 003/2003 of June 2, 2003, article 25
http://www.cour-constitutionnelle.ga/loi_organique (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level d . Other kinds of elections (church, union, etc.) Please specify.
Comments: d) Referenda
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, last revised 2005, art. 10
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view
(2017)
Verified: 2025/05/13
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: The CENAP has financial autonomy.
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, last revised 2005, art. 10a
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view
(2017)
Verified: 2025/05/13
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: The CENAP has financial autonomy.
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, last revised 2005, art. 10a
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view
(2017)
Verified: 2025/05/13
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
c . For an unspecified period
Comments: The members of the Bureau of the CENAP are permanent.
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, last revised 2005, art. 12
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view
(2017)
Verified: 2025/05/13
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments:
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, last revised 2005, art. 10
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view
(2017)
Verified: 2025/05/13
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: The Bureau of the National Electoral Commission is composed of 7 members: one president, two vice presidents, and four reports.
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, last revised 2005, art. 12
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view
(2017)
Verified: 2025/05/13
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
c . Combination of partisanship and expertise
Comments: The vice presidents and two reports are selected in part due to their political party affiliation.
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, art. 12
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view
(2017)
Verified: 2025/05/13
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
c . Executive d . Opposition f . Judiciary g . Political parties
Comments:
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, art. 12
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view
(2017)
Verified: 2025/05/13
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
d . National Government k . Other
Comments: The administrative authorities in the Ministry of Interior
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, art. 8
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view
(2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
d . No information available
Comments:
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view (2017)
Verified: 2012/09/12
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
l . Other
Comments: Yes, conducted by the administration.
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: Article 4: Under the conditions provided by law, all Gabonese of both sexes, 18 years of age, possessing their civil and political rights are electors.
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, art. 25
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view
(2017)
Constitution, art 4
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gabon_1997?lang=en
(2017)
Verified: 2025/05/13
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship b . Period of Residence e . Other
Comments: e) Additional requirements for voter registration: Full possession of civil and political rights, familial links or economic interests in the constituency. In addition, voters must be born in the constituency, or have their permanent residence or know residence for at least twelve months in their electoral constituency.
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, art. 25, 48
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view (2017)
Constitution, art 4
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gabon_1997?lang=en
(2017)
Verified: 2025/05/13
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
c . Local Government Authority
Comments: The electoral list is compiled by the local administrative authorities.
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, art. 37 (2)
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view (2017)
Verified: 2025/05/13
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Enrollment in the voters register is optional.
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, art. 48
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view (2017)
Verified: 2025/05/13
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
b . Deposit requirement (specify amount) f . Other
Comments: Each list must contain a number of candidates equal to the number of seats allocated to the constituency or electoral district concerned.
In addition, each candidate or list of candidates must deposit 500,000,000 XOF (762.3 euro). This amount is fully refundable to candidates or lists of candidates elected in majority system or to the list of candidates who has obtained at least 50% in proportional representation system, and partly refundable to candidates or lists of candidates who have obtained at least 10% of votes cast.
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, art. 62, 67
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship j . Other
Comments: a) 28 years old;
j) Qualified elector
Source: IPU Parline Database: http://www.ipu.org/parline-f/reports/1115.htm (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: Each candidate or list of candidates must deposit 500,000,000 XOF (762.3 euro). This amount is fully refundable to candidates or lists of candidates elected in majority system or to the list of candidates who has obtained at least 50% in proportional representation system, and partly refundable to candidates or lists of candidates who have obtained at least 10% of votes cast.
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, art. 62, 67
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct
Comments: State funds are available to parties who are present in at least 5 provinces, present 20 candidates in legislative elections, 10 candidates for senatorial elections and 20 lists in local elections.
Source: Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie, Rapport sur le Financement des Partis Politiques, 2010, Section 2: http://apf.francophonie.org/IMG/pdf/2010_cap_rapp_financespartis.pdf (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
c . Based on current legislative representation d . Based on number of candidates put forward in present election
Comments: c) The annual grant is based on the number of elected MPs representing each party.
d) In addition to the annual grant, a grant for the parties' electoral expenses is allocated to political parties that present at least twenty (20) candidates for legislative elections in five (5) constituencies, ten (10) candidates for senatorial elections and at least twenty (20) lists in local elections.
Source: Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie, Rapport sur le Financement des Partis Politiques, 2010, Section 2: http://apf.francophonie.org/IMG/pdf/2010_cap_rapp_financespartis.pdf (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie, Rapport sur le Financement des Partis Politiques, 2010, Section 2: http://apf.francophonie.org/IMG/pdf/2010_cap_rapp_financespartis.pdf (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments:
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, art. 103, 104
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view (2017)
Verified: 2025/05/14
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
a . Never recounted
Comments:
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view (2017)
Verified: 2025/05/14
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments:
Source: Code of Audiovisual, Cinematographic and Written Communication (Law No. 07/2001), art. 52: http://www.droit-afrique.com/images/textes/Gabon/Gabon%20-%20Code%20de%20la%20communication.pdf (2017)
Verified: 2025/05/13
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments:
Source: Code of Audiovisual, Cinematographic and Written Communication (Law No. 07/2001), art. 52: http://www.droit-afrique.com/images/textes/Gabon/Gabon%20-%20Code%20de%20la%20communication.pdf (2017)
Verified: 2025/05/13
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
e . 8-9 days
Comments: 8 days before the polling day
Source: Code of Audiovisual, Cinematographic and Written Communication (Law No. 07/2001), art. 53: http://www.droit-afrique.com/images/textes/Gabon/Gabon%20-%20Code%20de%20la%20communication.pdf (2017)
Verified: 2025/05/13
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: There are no specific legal provisions in this regard.
Source: Code of Audiovisual, Cinematographic and Written Communication (Law No. 07/2001): http://www.droit-afrique.com/images/textes/Gabon/Gabon%20-%20Code%20de%20la%20communication.pdf (2017);
Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments;
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view (2017)
Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie, Rapport sur le Financement des Partis Politiques, 2010: http://apf.francophonie.org/IMG/pdf/2010_cap_rapp_financespartis.pdf (2017)
Verified: 2025/05/13
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution (as amended in 2011), art. 2, 18, 114, 116
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gabon_1997?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: 2. The capital of the country is Libreville and can only be transferred if approved by referendum.
114. No cession, exchange, or addition of territory shall be valid without prior consultation of the Gabonese people by referendum.
Source: Constitution (as amended in 2011), art. 2, 114
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gabon_1997?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The President of the Republic can submit to referendum any any bill implementing constitutional principles or directly or indirectly related to the functioning of institutions.
Constitutional amendments have to be approved either by referendum or by 2/3 of the Parliament (both chambers - Senate and Chamber of Deputies).
Source: Constitution (as amended in 2011), art. 18, 116
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gabon_1997?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution (as amended in 2011), art. 2, 18, 114, 116
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gabon_1997?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution (as amended in 2011), art. 2, 18, 114, 116
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gabon_1997?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution (as amended in 2011), art. 2, 18, 114, 116
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gabon_1997?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments:
Source: Constitution (as amended in 2011), art. 2, 18, 114, 116
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gabon_1997?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments:
Source: Constitution (as amended in 2011), art. 2, 18, 114, 116
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gabon_1997?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source: Constitution (as amended in 2011)
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gabon_1997?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections h . By proxy
Comments:
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, art. 37 (1), 75 (1), 99 - 102
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view (2017)
Verified: 2025/05/14
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country
Comments: Citizens residing outside the country and registered on the Electoral List and only for presidential election and referandum
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, art. 36, 59;
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view (2017)
Official Website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Gabon: http://www.affaires-etrangeres.gouv.ga/16-informations/335-gabonais-de-l-etranger/ (2017)
Verified: 2025/05/14
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies b . Consulates
Comments:
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, art. 99;
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view (2017)
Official Website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Gabon: http://www.affaires-etrangeres.gouv.ga/16-informations/335-gabonais-de-l-etranger/ (2017)
Verified: 2025/05/14
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments: By putting a ballot in envelop and putting it in the ballot box.
Source: Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, art. 77, 79, 92, 96
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view (2017)
Verified: 2025/05/14
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