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Gabon Faces Pivotal Presidential Election Amid Calls for Change
Gabon is witnessing a significant political shift as voters head to the polls to elect the next president, marking the first occasion in decades without a member of the Bongo family on the ballot. This election follows the ousting of former President Ali Bongo, who was removed from power 19 months ago via a coup led by General Brice Oligui Nguema.
General Oligui Nguema has modified the constitution to permit his candidacy in the anticipated election. Eight candidates are vying for the presidency, including a solitary female contender, Gninga Chaning Zenaba. Among the notable candidates are former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-by-Nze, who held his position under the Bongo administration, and two former officials from the previously dominant PDG party, Stéphane Germain Iloko and Alain Simplice Boungouères.
Election officials anticipate that initial results may be released as soon as Sunday, though the official count may continue into the following week. Close to one million individuals are expected to cast their votes both in Gabon and among the diaspora.
Despite its wealth from oil and timber, Gabon, a small central African nation with a population of 2.5 million, faces significant socio-economic challenges, with approximately 35% of its citizens living below the poverty threshold of $2 (roughly £1.50) per day.
Throughout the two-week campaign period, most candidates focused their efforts on reaching voters in rural areas; however, there were limited rallies in the capital, Libreville. The streets of Libreville are prominently adorned with campaign posters and billboards for Oligui Nguema, overshadowing those of his competitors.
“I will vote for the builder Oligui Nguema,” declared taxi driver Landry Obame-Mezui, who appreciates the junta leader’s approach, stating that he “came in with a new way of doing things – action before speeches.”
Conversely, detractors have criticized Oligui Nguema for overseeing a skewed transitional and electoral process, claiming he has implemented a new constitution and electoral code to benefit his candidacy, despite an earlier promise to return power to civilian leaders. Notably, an upper age limit for candidates has disqualified one of his most formidable opponents, Albert Ondo Ossa.
Bilie-by-Nze, perceived as Oligui Nguema’s principal rival, has called for the coup leaders to “go back to the barracks,” claiming to represent the change necessary for Gabon’s future. However, his association with the previous regime has drawn skepticism from various segments of the population.
After enduring over five decades of governance by President Omar Bongo and his son Ali Bongo, the citizens of Gabon have expressed a strong desire for an end to corruption, nepotism, and the economic difficulties they have faced. Voter Noel Kounta articulated a longing for a “new Gabon that is well-governed, well-managed, where there is social justice, equity, and equal chances,” emphasizing the need for development and prosperity.
Shonnys Akoulatele, a 30-year-old pharmacist, echoed similar sentiments, urging the next president to prioritize job creation in a country grappling with high unemployment rates. “They need to show compassion towards this issue, especially in the private sector,” she asserted.
Polling stations are scheduled to close at 18:00 local time (17:00 GMT) on Saturday, as the nation stands on the brink of a potentially transformative electoral decision.
Source
www.bbc.com