Coup Leader Seeks Victory In Gabon Poll

Gabonese headed to the polls yesterday to pick the next president of Gabon, where for the first time in decades a Bongo family member is not on the ballot.

Former president, Ali Bongo, was forced from power 19 months ago by coup mastermind Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema, who in turn has changed the constitution to allow him to run in yesterday’s election.
A total of eight candidates ran to become president, with only one woman in the race – Gninga Chaning Zenaba.

Other presidential challengers include former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-by-Nze, who served under the Bongo regime, as well as two stalwarts of the former ruling PDG party, Stéphane Germain Iloko and Alain Simplice Boungouères.

Election results could start being announced today, but officials can continue the count into next week. Close to one million people were expected to vote in Gabon and its diaspora.