Gabon opposition unite against Bongo’s son
Opposition candidates are pulling together as the Gabonese election date takes the last turn for the Sunday poll.
Some 11 candidates have announced their withdrawal and backing of an
independent contender, former minister Andre Mba Obame. The 52
years old Obame, was reportedly chosen to lead the group after
a secret ballot was carried amongst the candidates at a meeting
which ended in the early hours today, reports said.
The withdrawal of the 11 candidates however still leaves 11 others
still in the race against Ali Bongo Ondimba, the son of the
country's longtime president Omar Bongo, who is said to be the
favourite to win the presidential race.
There have however been some concerns raised from Gabonese voters
saying the country’s electoral body did not look well position
and prepared to referee in the polls. Opposition groups have
also accused the electoral commission of failing to address their
concerns, especially with the electoral register, which they
described as problematic.
Earlier this month several opposition candidates also demanded a
postponement, claiming the electoral body was not prepared to organize the
election. But, the interim transitional government led by Rose Francine
Rogombé, dismissed the demand to carry on with the polls. The Sunday vote
will determine who will succeed the late, long time dictator, Omar Bongo who
died of a heart attack at a Spanish Clinic in June.
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