I have heard of two candidates claiming victory in a presidential contest, but three? That’s unusual. But that is precisely what is happening in Gabon, where voters went to the polls to choose a new president.
One might think that this means that the president is elected by plurality, and the race among the three was thought to be close. But, assuming the version of the constitution I located is current,* it takes an absolute majority to be elected (Art. 9). I suppose there could be a close race for second place, with the leading candidate short of majority, and thus all three claiming they are advancing to the runoff. But I am guessing that’s not exactly what any of the three of them has in mind.
In any case, the country is tense as official results, delayed till Wednesday, are awaited.
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* But apparently it is not. See Robert Elgie’s comment: the Gabonese constitution now has the president elected by plurality.
I think, on this occasion, your information may be incorrect. Art. 9 of the current version of the Constitution, amended in August 2003 and available at the La Constitution en Afrique site, states “L’élection est acquise au candidat qui a obtenu le plus grand nombre de suffrages”. So, like Togo, a simple majority is needed.
Seed planted by Robert Elgie — 02 September 2009 @ 07:30
In that case, three claims of victory make more sense (although I still can’t immediately think of another case like it).
It can be hard to keep up with constitutional changes, and I had forgotten about the site you mention, Robert. So thanks for that.
Seed planted by MSS — 02 September 2009 @ 12:40
So, to no one’s surprise, the official results put the son of the deceased dictator ahead. AFP reports that the results give Ali Bongo 41.7% to 25.9% for his closest challenger, Andre Mba Obame, a former interior minister. Pierre Mamboundou, described as a “long-time opposition leader” has 25.2%.
Seed planted by MSS — 03 September 2009 @ 13:08