Justine Judith Lekogo Claims Electoral Fraud in Franceville Legislative Results
Following the announcement of legislative results, Justine Judith Lekogo, candidate for the second district of Franceville, has voiced strong concerns regarding alleged irregularities. Despite the Ministry of the Interior confirming her victory with 50.83% of the vote, she claims this figure doesn't accurately reflect the true count.
Allegations of Fraud and Manipulation
According to Lekogo, her internal tallies indicated a higher percentage. "Our own records gave us around 55%. Even within the commission, before the manipulations, we were still between 53 and 54%. The reduction of our score is solely the result of fraudulent maneuvers," she stated. She alleges deliberate manipulation of the electoral process.
Specific Instances of Alleged Fraud Highlighted
Lekogo directly accused the Parti Démocratique Gabonais (PDG) of orchestrating fraud on multiple levels. These alleged fraudulent activities include:
- Falsification of official reports (procès-verbaux)
- Attempted bribery of electoral members
- Dissemination of fake documents purportedly issued by the district commission
She cited a specific example at the "Dialogue 2" polling station, where she claims to have won 65 votes (61%). However, an official document attributed those results to the PDG, leaving her campaign with only two votes (1%). "Without the vigilance of our representatives and citizen mobilization, this charade could have reversed the truth of the ballot boxes," she asserted.
Appeal to the Constitutional Court
Confident in the strength of the available evidence, Justine Judith Lekogo has called upon the Constitutional Court to carefully examine the authentic records from all candidates. "Electoral justice must be impartial and courageous. Our real results exceed 53%. The institutions must restore confidence in the Gabonese people by protecting their vote," she insisted. She believes an impartial review will validate her claims.
Accusations Against the PDG
Lekogo was direct in her criticism of her opponents. "The PDG does not rely on the popular will. Its political existence has always been based on fraud. But this time, the people said no. Citizen vigilance stopped their forced passage." She suggests the PDG's history is tainted by electoral malpractice.
PDG's Alleged Weakening Hold in Franceville
She further claimed that the PDG no longer holds significant support within the Second District of Franceville. "It is not a party of citizens, but a group of fraudsters and cheaters. Our district deserves better." She believes her district is ready for change.
A Message of Unity and Vigilance
Beyond denouncing the alleged fraud, Justine Judith Lekogo thanked and congratulated her fellow citizens for their mobilization. She urged them to remain united, vigilant, and confident, stating, "It is in the collective defense of suffrage that the key to true change lies."
"The Gabonese people must understand that every voice counts and that every citizen's vigilance protects democracy. If we let fraud pass, we betray the future of our children. But if we defend every vote, we will open the way to true development," she concluded.
This statement highlights the importance of participation in the electoral process.
