Council Election: Your candidates and their platforms

Gaboners will head to the polls on 25th November to elect 3 Councillors.

Some 34 voters are registered to vote in the capital with the Council election taking place every three months.

These are the candidates who have said they intend to stand for Councillor:

IcyPenguin - Independent

An up-and-coming outsider originally from Icenia, although lacking certain experience of the other candidates, Icy has already shown himself to be outspoken and driven. One of their main policies is Universal Basic Income, a left-leaning policy which has gained steady traction over recent years, primarily supported by working class individuals.

Icy has seen strong support within poorer communities in cities and rural regions, could Icy unite these bases to push himself into power?

Main points of their stated Manifesto:

• Creating a UBI for Gabon’s citizens
• Reinforcing Gabon as a trade hub
• Working with citizens to plan for a better future

Invictus - Varkonia

A government bureaucrat through and through, with history beginning in the parliament and leadership of Bloom to the senate of Varkonia. Seen as a war-hawk by both sides of the aisle, Invictus will face a tough fight to unite enough support. The Senator is an unapologetic promoter of increased military spending and nation security.

Invictus has had a controversial political career, but enjoys great support amongst the military community. However, is this enough to secure a council seat?

Main point of their stated Manifesto:

• Increase in military structures in Gabon

jamietech - Independent

One of the candidates who can call themselves a ‘Founder’ of Gabon, jamietech is listed as one of the first people to step foot on Gabonese land and has not left these shores since. jamietech is a promoter of improving quality of life, with a particular focus on infrastructure, business and natural flora and fauna.

A productive and steadfast individual, jamietech has proven himself to be a loyal citizen who will work hard to see his tasks through. It remains to be seen whether jamietech’s monarchist history could be his downfall. Has republican sentiment subsided enough to grant jamietech a seat back in government?

Main points of their stated Manifesto:

• Strong foreign policy that increases local employment and bolsters national businesses
• Dedication of portions of the Sovereign Fund to local industry, including our fledgling book market, to increase our cultural capital and our international market competitiveness
• Beautiful rail infrastructure, including Gabon International Station and the Gabon Above Ground Rail, drawing international awe and tourism

tvman999 - Incumbent

Councillor tvman999 has held this seat since the Gabon’s inception as a modern state, only losing his seat temporarily during the Civil War. Seen as a moderate individual and generally well liked by both sides of aisle in government and in public, tvman999 has toed a centrist line during his time in government. A strong advocate for conserving core parts of Gabon, even if at times a controversial opinion.

Will tvman999’s anti-foreigner and steady-sailing attitude still resonate with voters or will the desire for change be too much for even this councillor to overcome?

Main points of their stated Manifesto:

• Keep foreign nationals out of public elections
• Secure citizen rights and improve quality of living

Zyra_Bot - Independent

A candidate from the working-class borough of Hackney, Zyra_Bot has worked his way up the streets to an architect’s apprentice and is now assisting the Vice Chancellor with the latest southern dockyard project. Although lacking government experience, Zyra_Bot is already renowned for his productive and positive outlook. An outspoken liberal even by Gabonese standards, he sees strong support with younger voters and those living in the capital.

With the support of young and liberal voters, can Zyra_Bot overcome questions about his close ties to the Vice Chancellor and lack of experience to secure a seat on the Lord’s Council?

Main points of their stated Manifesto:

• Taking a rational and proportionate approach to delegating monetary resources from the Sovereign Fund
• A foreign policy that promotes cooperation and supports our nation’s firms whom enter foreign markets while also promoting Gabon’s political interests abroad
• Continued commitment towards the Above Ground Rail project and the Vice Chancellor while further investing in more rail projects to garner in new markets and investment from abroad

With an energetic voter base eager to ask questions, the 24-hour debate period will surely make or break some of these campaigns.

Voting shall take place from Monday 25th onwards until close of business Wednesday 27th.

For more information on voting and your nearest voting booth check with your local officials.