Editor TLN
13 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The president of Gabon, Ali Bongo Ondimba, has announced a dialogue process with the opposition on a framework that provides for limiting presidential terms to five years, two less than in the current legislation.
The text has been presented at an opening ceremony of the political consultation called by Bongo to promote transparent political elections despite the reluctance of the opposition, which this Monday regretted the absence, already expected, of observers from the European Union in the upcoming general elections in the country, scheduled for this year, reports the radio station RFI.
The vast majority of the country’s political leaders, both supporters of Bongo and the opposition, have been present at the ceremony, but there has only been one speech, that of the president.
The package presented by Bongo includes, in addition to limiting presidential terms, reducing the mandate of senators to six years. However, it is not clear if there will be a limitation of consecutive terms, since currently the deputies, senators and also the president can stand for re-election as many times as they want.
To participate in the consultation process, both the opposition and the government majority must present a list of 30 members before tomorrow, Tuesday. The representatives will work for ten days in a tent erected on the esplanade of the Ministry of Defense, right next to the presidential palace.
Once this period is over, the agreed recommendations will be presented and these will be applied, Bongo assured, apologizing to civil society, religious organizations, unions and other actors for not being invited to this process. Meetings will be organized for them so that they can express their concerns.
