By Kylie M Tsudama
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa
LIBREVILLE, Gabon – Ali Ben Bongo, the eldest son of former President Omar Bongo, was declared the new President of Gabon, extending the family’s 41-year reign.
Ben Bongo was up for election against Andre Mba Obame and Pierre Mamboundou. Bongo was considered the heavy favorite because of the wealth and power that his family accumulated during his father’s time in power.
Since a young age Bongo has been involved in politics. His father brought him into the country’s government as the foreign minister and his most recent position was as the defense minister, controlling the country’s army.
This week was tense as they all awaited the results. After the election each of the three candidates had declared himself the winner. Although the election was held on Sunday it was not until today that the actual results were released and Bongo was declared the winner. The length of time between the election and the results led many to believe that the vote was rigged. Bongo won with 47% of the vote, a considerably smaller margin of victory than those his father declared.
“If this man was elected fairly, would this city be dead like this? Where are the crowds in joy?” Frederic Zomo asked.
This is no more than a military coup d’etat. They have trampled democracy. These results are false,” said Patrick Pambo.
Adelie Mengue called it “an electoral hold-up, a masquerade.”
According to Mamboundou, “It’s not just a possibility of fraud. It’s fraud pure and simple. The Gabonese people do not want a dynasty. Forty-two years of President Bongo is enough. They want change.”
Activists in support of the opposition have been causing disturbances since the election, breaking into a prison and freeing hundreds of inmates from Port Gentil. They also looted shops and attacked journalists.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called on the Gabonese people to be calm and restraint and to avoid disturbances so that tensions do not escalate.
“The Secretary General urges all the presidential candidates and their supporters to resolve any electoral grievances through legal and institutional channels, and calls for any such complaints to be reviewed and adjudicated in a fair and transparent manner. He calls on the Gabonese political leaders to refrain from any action which could jeopardize the peaceful conclusion of the electoral process.”
For more information, please see:
AP – Unrest as Dictator’s Son Declared Winner in Gabon – 03 September 2009
BBC – Bongo Wins Disputed Gabon Ballot – 03 September 2009
CJP – Gabonese Media Under Attack Since Election – 03 September 2009
Forbes – Protesters Dispersed, Gabon Election Result Blocked – 03 September 2009
NY Times – Son of Late Gabon Leader Declared Winner in Vote – 03 September 2009
Reuters – Unrest in Gabon as Bongo Poll Win Disputed – 03 September 2009
UN News Service – Secretary-General Urges Calm Amid Reports of Post-Election Clashes in Gabon – 03 September 2009
