People are heading to the polls to select the next president of Gabon, marking the first time in decades that a Bongo family member is not on the ballot.
Former President Ali Bongo was ousted from power 19 months ago by coup leader Gen Brice Oligui Nguema, who subsequently amended the constitution to enable his candidacy in Saturday’s election.
Among the eight candidates vying for the presidency is Gninga Chaning Zenaba, the sole female contender. Other notable challengers include former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-by-Nze, who served under the Bongo regime, as well as Stéphane Germain Iloko and Alain Simplice Boungouères, who are affiliations of the former ruling PDG party.
Election results are expected to be announced on Sunday, but the counting process may extend into next week as close to one million individuals, including those from Gabon and its diaspora, are expected to cast their votes.
Gabon, a small oil- and timber-rich central African nation with a population of 2.5 million people, has abundant resources. Nevertheless, approximately 35% of the population still lives below the poverty line of $2 (£1.50) a day. During the two-week campaign period, most candidates emphasized reaching voters in the interior region, while rallies in the capital, Libreville, were restricted in scope. Various posters and billboards endorsing Oligui Nguema dominate the streets of Libreville, with very few advertisements from his rivals visible.
While Oligui Nguema is viewed by some as a figure promoting action and change (“I will vote for the builder Oligui Nguema”), critics argue that he has overseen an unfair electoral process, introducing a new constitution and electoral code aimed at favoring his candidacy.
One of Oligui Nguema’s most popular opposition rivals, Albert Ondo Ossa, was rendered ineligible due to a newly introduced upper age limit. Bilie-by-Nze, considered the closest rival to Oligui Nguema, has urged the coup leader to go “back to the barracks” and advocates for change. However, his association with the previous regime continues to attract criticism.
Gabonese people have expressed their desire for an end to corruption, cronyism, indebtedness, and unemployment, long endured during the 55-year rule of President Omar Bongo and his son, Ali Bongo. Registrants have emphasized the importance of good governance, social justice, equity, and equal opportunities. Unemployment is a pressing issue, and many hope that the next president will prioritize job creation and address the high rates of unemployment, particularly in the private sector.
The polls are scheduled to close at 18:00 local time (17:00 GMT) on Saturday.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn91j20r8vxo
