Gabon’s military, which seized power of the Central African nation after a coup, appointed former opposition leader, Raymond Ndong Sima, as prime minister of the transitional government on Thursday (September 7). This comes days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gabon-coup-leader-sworn-in-as-interim-president-632236">Gabonese General Brice Oligui Nguema</a>, who led the coup that ousted President Ali Bongo, was sworn in as the interim president.&nbsp;

<h2>Sima’s appointment as interim PM</h2>

Sima, 68, was an outspoken critic of Bongo, who was ousted by military officers following a coup on August 30, minutes after the announcement that he had secured a third term after an election whose result has since been annulled by the military after saying it was not credible.&nbsp;

The newly appointed Gabonese PM is an economist and also served as Bongo’s prime minister from 2012 to 2014. However, in 2016, Sima resigned and ran against Bongo for president and again as part of an opposition coalition in the recently concluded elections.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gabon-soldiers-announce-cancellation-of-elections-dissolution-of-institutions-on-tv-630424">Gabonese military seizes power after President Ali Bongo wins third term in elections</a>

Sima’s appointment was announced on state TV on Thursday in a decree by Oligui, who was sworn in as interim president on Monday. Bongo had been in power since 2009 and succeeded his father Omar Bongo, who ruled the Central African nation of 2.3 million people for 42 years.&nbsp;

Bongo’s ouster was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-after-niger-this-is-why-coup-in-gabon-is-receiving-public-support-630612">widely celebrated</a> in the capital Libreville, and the military government moved quickly to consolidate power with the coup leader sworn in as the interim president who has vowed to “hold free, transparent and credible elections” after a still-unspecified transition period.&nbsp;

The former president, who had been under house arrest since the coup, is now free, said the Gabon junta, on Wednesday (Sep 6) and could travel abroad for medical checks if he wished.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gabon-general-to-be-sworn-in-as-president-african-union-suspends-membership-631019">Gabon general to be sworn in as president, African Union suspends membership</a>

<h2>What’s happening in Gabon?</h2>

Abdou Abarry, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Central Africa, met Oligui on Wednesday and told him that the UN would assist the country as it made a fresh start.

“Once we know the roadmap, the timetable, once a government will have been appointed, our different agencies will make the necessary contacts and continue to support Gabon,” said Abarry after the meeting in Libreville, in remarks broadcast on Gabon 24 TV.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gabon-elections-government-cuts-internet-imposes-curfew-amid-voting-delays-629584">Gabon elections: Government cuts internet, imposes curfew amid voting delays</a>

The Central African regional bloc ECCAS has also proposed a 12-month transition period to Gabonese authorities, a senior government official taking part in discussions within the 11-nation bloc told Reuters. “We are awaiting their response,” the source told the news agency.&nbsp;

This comes after the ECCAS suspended Gabon on Monday but sent the president of the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadera, as its representative to meet the country’s coup leader and president.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Gabon’s military, which seized power of the Central African nation after a coup, appointed former opposition leader, Raymond Ndong Sima, as prime minister of the transitional government on Thursday (September 7).

Gabon’s military, which seized power of the Central African nation after a coup, appointed former opposition leader, Raymond Ndong Sima, as prime minister of the transitional government on Thursday (September 7). This comes days after Gabonese General Brice Oligui Nguema, who led the coup that ousted President Ali Bongo, was sworn in as the interim president. Sima’s appointment as interim PM Sima, 68, was an outspoken critic of Bongo, who was ousted by military officers following a coup on August 30, minutes after the announcement that he had secured a third term after an election whose result has since been annulled by the military after saying it was not credible. The newly appointed Gabonese PM is an economist and also served as Bongo’s prime minister from 2012 to 2014. However, in 2016, Sima resigned and ran against Bongo for president and again as part of an opposition coalition in the recently concluded elections. ALSO READ | Gabonese military seizes power after President Ali Bongo wins third term in elections Sima’s appointment was announced on state TV on Thursday in a decree by Oligui, who was sworn in as interim president on Monday. Bongo had been in power since 2009 and succeeded his father Omar Bongo, who ruled the Central African nation of 2.3 million people for 42 years. Bongo’s ouster was widely celebrated in the capital Libreville, and the military government moved quickly to consolidate power with the coup leader sworn in as the interim president who has vowed to “hold free, transparent and credible elections” after a still-unspecified transition period. The former president, who had been under house arrest since the coup, is now free, said the Gabon junta, on Wednesday (Sep 6) and could travel abroad for medical checks if he wished. ALSO READ | Gabon general to be sworn in as president, African Union suspends membership What’s happening in Gabon? Abdou Abarry, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Central Africa, met Oligui on Wednesday and told him that the UN would assist the country as it made a fresh start. “Once we know the roadmap, the timetable, once a government will have been appointed, our different agencies will make the necessary contacts and continue to support Gabon,” said Abarry after the meeting in Libreville, in remarks broadcast on Gabon 24 TV. ALSO READ | Gabon elections: Government cuts internet, imposes curfew amid voting delays The Central African regional bloc ECCAS has also proposed a 12-month transition period to Gabonese authorities, a senior government official taking part in discussions within the 11-nation bloc told Reuters. “We are awaiting their response,” the source told the news agency. This comes after the ECCAS suspended Gabon on Monday but sent the president of the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadera, as its representative to meet the country’s coup leader and president. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Gabon’s military govt appoints former opposition leader, Raymond Ndong Sima, as interim PM

Gabonese General Brice Oligui Nguema, who led the coup that ousted President Ali Bongo, was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gabon-general-to-be-sworn-in-as-president-african-union-suspends-membership-631019">sworn&nbsp;in</a> as the interim on Monday (September 4) by the country’s constitutional court judges in a televised ceremony. This comes days after the country’s military led by Oligui, seized power of the Central African nation of&nbsp;2.3 million people.

<h2>Interim president vows to hold ‘free and transparent elections’</h2>

The coup, on August 30, took place minutes after the announcement that Bongo had secured a third term after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gabon-elections-government-cuts-internet-imposes-curfew-amid-voting-delays-629584">an election</a>&nbsp;whose result has since been annulled by the military after saying it was not credible.&nbsp; 
 
In his speech,&nbsp;Oligui&nbsp;proposed reforms including&nbsp;a new constitution to be adopted by referendum;&nbsp;new electoral and penal codes;&nbsp;and measures to prioritise local banks and companies for economic development, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

“I swear before God and the Gabonese people to faithfully preserve the republican regime,” said Oligui, as quoted by AFP. He has also vowed to “hold free, transparent and credible elections” after a still-unspecified transition period and&nbsp;amnesty to “prisoners of conscience.”&nbsp;

Oligui, head of the elite Republican Guard, received a standing&nbsp;ovation from an audience of military officers and officials as he arrived for the ceremony and again after he was sworn in, said a report by Reuters citing the state TV footage.

It is also worth noting that several figures from&nbsp;Bongo's government, including the vice president and prime minister, attended the ceremony while he&nbsp;himself remains under house arrest. Bongo was elected in 2009 after&nbsp;taking over from his late father who came to power in 1967.&nbsp;

Images, as per the media report, showed a cheering crowd and tanks firing into the sea to mark the moment. Oligui, who was dressed in the red ceremonial uniform&nbsp;of the Republican Guard for the ceremony, also swore to “preserve the achievements of democracy,” as per AFP.&nbsp;

He has also sought the participation of all “core groups” in the country to draft a new constitution which “will be adopted by referendum.”&nbsp;

<h2>About the coup and international condemnation</h2>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-after-niger-this-is-why-coup-in-gabon-is-receiving-public-support-630612">The coup </a>ended a 56-year hold on power by the Bongo dynasty in the oil-producing country and drew cheering crowds onto the streets of the capital Libreville but has received&nbsp;flak from other nations. The&nbsp;move marked the eighth coup in three years among the West and Central African nations.&nbsp;

The swearing-in ceremony of the Gabonese general also took place as the leaders of the Central African regional bloc ECCAS are due to meet in person, on Monday (Sep 4) to discuss their response to Bongo’s ouster.&nbsp;

Oligui is yet to be recognised as Gabon’s legitimate leader as he continues to face pressure to spell out his plans for restoring civilian rule.&nbsp;

The coup leaders, on Wednesday, dissolved the nation’s institutions, cancelled the election results and temporarily closed the borders.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Gabon’s main opposition group, Alternance 2023 says it is the rightful winner of the election and called on the international community to encourage the junta to hand power back to civilians.

A report by Reuters citing a source in the opposition alliance said that its members met Oligui on Sunday (Sep 3) for talks without sharing further details.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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Gabonese General Brice Oligui Nguema, who led the coup that ousted President Ali Bongo, was sworn in as the interim on Monday (September 4) by the country’s constitutional court judges in a televised ceremony.

Gabonese General Brice Oligui Nguema, who led the coup that ousted President Ali Bongo, was sworn in as the interim on Monday (September 4) by the country’s constitutional court judges in a televised ceremony. This comes days after the country’s military led by Oligui, seized power of the Central African nation of 2.3 million people. Interim president vows to hold ‘free and transparent elections’ The coup, on August 30, took place minutes after the announcement that Bongo had secured a third term after an election whose result has since been annulled by the military after saying it was not credible. In his speech, Oligui proposed reforms including a new constitution to be adopted by referendum; new electoral and penal codes; and measures to prioritise local banks and companies for economic development, as per Reuters. “I swear before God and the Gabonese people to faithfully preserve the republican regime,” said Oligui, as quoted by AFP. He has also vowed to “hold free, transparent and credible elections” after a still-unspecified transition period and amnesty to “prisoners of conscience.” Oligui, head of the elite Republican Guard, received a standing ovation from an audience of military officers and officials as he arrived for the ceremony and again after he was sworn in, said a report by Reuters citing the state TV footage. It is also worth noting that several figures from Bongo's government, including the vice president and prime minister, attended the ceremony while he himself remains under house arrest. Bongo was elected in 2009 after taking over from his late father who came to power in 1967. Images, as per the media report, showed a cheering crowd and tanks firing into the sea to mark the moment. Oligui, who was dressed in the red ceremonial uniform of the Republican Guard for the ceremony, also swore to “preserve the achievements of democracy,” as per AFP. He has also sought the participation of all “core groups” in the country to draft a new constitution which “will be adopted by referendum.” About the coup and international condemnation The coup ended a 56-year hold on power by the Bongo dynasty in the oil-producing country and drew cheering crowds onto the streets of the capital Libreville but has received flak from other nations. The move marked the eighth coup in three years among the West and Central African nations. The swearing-in ceremony of the Gabonese general also took place as the leaders of the Central African regional bloc ECCAS are due to meet in person, on Monday (Sep 4) to discuss their response to Bongo’s ouster. Oligui is yet to be recognised as Gabon’s legitimate leader as he continues to face pressure to spell out his plans for restoring civilian rule. The coup leaders, on Wednesday, dissolved the nation’s institutions, cancelled the election results and temporarily closed the borders. Meanwhile, Gabon’s main opposition group, Alternance 2023 says it is the rightful winner of the election and called on the international community to encourage the junta to hand power back to civilians. A report by Reuters citing a source in the opposition alliance said that its members met Oligui on Sunday (Sep 3) for talks without sharing further details. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Gabonese general and coup leader Oligui sworn in as interim president

China called for "all sides" in Gabon to guarantee the safety of President Ali Bongo Ondimba after military officers in the country on Wednesday appeared on television and announced that they were "putting an end to the current regime".&nbsp;

"China is closely following the developing situation in Gabon," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

"We call on all sides in Gabon to proceed from the basic interests of the country and the people, resolve differences through dialogue, (and) restore normal order as soon as possible," he added, urging parties to "guarantee the personal safety of President Bongo, and uphold national peace and stability".

Bongo, who visited Beijing in the month of April this year, was greeted by Chinese President Xi Jinping as an "old friend".

Xi also hailed Bongo's "significant achievements" in development.

Bongo, in turn, thanked China for its "valuable assistance in promoting Gabon's economic diversification and industrialisation", a readout from state news agency Xinhua said.

<h2>France following Gabon events with the greatest attention, says PM</h2>

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne released a statement saying that her country was following the events in Gabon "with the greatest attention".

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gabon-soldiers-announce-cancellation-of-elections-dissolution-of-institutions-on-tv-630424">Gabonese military officers announce an end to current regime, say election result cancelled</a>

European Union defence ministers will also discuss the situation in Gabon said High Representative of EU for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, further adding that if confirmed, would heap more instability on the region.

"If this is confirmed, it is another military coup which increases instability in the whole region," said Borrell, speaking at a meeting of EU defence ministers in Toledo.

"The whole area, starting with Central African Republic, then Mali, then Burkina Faso, now Niger, maybe Gabon, it's in a very difficult situation and certainly the ministers ... have to have a deep thought on what is going on there and how we can improve our policy in respect with these countries," he said.

"This is a big issue for Europe," he added.

On Wednesday, gunfires were heard in the Gabonese capital, Libreville at the time the announcement by the soldiers was being made.

While announcing the cancellation of the election results one of the soldiers said "all the institutions of the republic" had been dissolved.&nbsp;

"We have decided to defend the peace by putting an end to the current regime,"&nbsp;one of the soldiers said on TV channel Gabon 24, adding that he was speaking on behalf of the "Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions".

"To this end, the general elections of 26 August 2023 and the truncated results are cancelled," he added.

"All the institutions of the republic are dissolved: the government, the Senate, the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court," he added, announcing the closure of the country's borders "until further notice".

(With inputs from agencies) 
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China called for "all sides" in Gabon to guarantee the safety of President Ali Bongo Ondimba after military officers in the country on Wednesday appeared on television and announced that they were "putting an end to the current regime".

China called for "all sides" in Gabon to guarantee the safety of President Ali Bongo Ondimba after military officers in the country on Wednesday appeared on television and announced that they were "putting an end to the current regime". "China is closely following the developing situation in Gabon," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said. "We call on all sides in Gabon to proceed from the basic interests of the country and the people, resolve differences through dialogue, (and) restore normal order as soon as possible," he added, urging parties to "guarantee the personal safety of President Bongo, and uphold national peace and stability". Bongo, who visited Beijing in the month of April this year, was greeted by Chinese President Xi Jinping as an "old friend". Xi also hailed Bongo's "significant achievements" in development. Bongo, in turn, thanked China for its "valuable assistance in promoting Gabon's economic diversification and industrialisation", a readout from state news agency Xinhua said. France following Gabon events with the greatest attention, says PM French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne released a statement saying that her country was following the events in Gabon "with the greatest attention". Also read: Gabonese military officers announce an end to current regime, say election result cancelled European Union defence ministers will also discuss the situation in Gabon said High Representative of EU for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, further adding that if confirmed, would heap more instability on the region. "If this is confirmed, it is another military coup which increases instability in the whole region," said Borrell, speaking at a meeting of EU defence ministers in Toledo. "The whole area, starting with Central African Republic, then Mali, then Burkina Faso, now Niger, maybe Gabon, it's in a very difficult situation and certainly the ministers ... have to have a deep thought on what is going on there and how we can improve our policy in respect with these countries," he said. "This is a big issue for Europe," he added. On Wednesday, gunfires were heard in the Gabonese capital, Libreville at the time the announcement by the soldiers was being made. While announcing the cancellation of the election results one of the soldiers said "all the institutions of the republic" had been dissolved. "We have decided to defend the peace by putting an end to the current regime," one of the soldiers said on TV channel Gabon 24, adding that he was speaking on behalf of the "Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions". "To this end, the general elections of 26 August 2023 and the truncated results are cancelled," he added. "All the institutions of the republic are dissolved: the government, the Senate, the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court," he added, announcing the closure of the country's borders "until further notice". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China calls for guarantee of President Bongo's safety, France keenly following Gabon events

Gabon soldiers on Wednesday (30 August) appeared on television and declared that they were "putting an end to the current regime". They also announced the cancellation of a poll that as per the results, was won by President Ali Bongo Ondimba.&nbsp; 
 
Military officers appeared on national television and declared they were seizing power, prompting some scenes of celebration in the Gabonese capital, Libreville and reports of gunfire on the streets of the capital.&nbsp;

<p data-analytics-observe="off" data-article-gutter="true" data-component-name="paragraph" data-editable="text" data-uri="cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/paragraph_D6EAD3B2-3C25-B3E9-0C78-45BDB3048A08@published">The announcement came minutes after the election body of the oil rich state&nbsp;announced that President Ali Bongo had won a third term, extending his family’s half-century rule over the Central African nation.

As per news agency AFP reports, gunfires were heard in the Gabonese capital, Libreville at the time the announcement was being made.&nbsp;The&nbsp;soldiers said the election results stand cancelled, and&nbsp;all borders closed until further notice.

While announcing the cancellation of the results one of the soldiers said "all the institutions of the republic" had been dissolved.&nbsp;

"We have decided to defend the peace by putting an end to the current regime,"&nbsp;one of the soldiers said on TV channel Gabon 24, adding that he was speaking on behalf of the "Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions".

"To this end, the general elections of 26 August 2023 and the truncated results are cancelled," he added.

"All the institutions of the republic are dissolved: the government, the Senate, the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court," he added, announcing the closure of the country's borders "until further notice".

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gabon-elections-government-cuts-internet-imposes-curfew-amid-voting-delays-629584">Gabon elections: Government cuts internet, imposes curfew amid voting delays</a>

The soldiers who made the announcement included members of the Republican Guard as well as soldiers of the regular army and police officers.

The statement was also broadcast on Gabon 1 public television, according to news agency AFP. 
 
The&nbsp;Gabon coup would be the eighth in West and Central Africa since 2020. The latest one, in Niger, was in July. Military has&nbsp;already seized power in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Chad.

&nbsp;

<h2>Gabon elections</h2>

The announcement by the soldiers came shortly after the national election authority said that Bongo had won a third term in the elections that were held on Saturday (26 August) with 64.27 per cent of the vote.&nbsp;

As per the results, Bongo's rival, Albert Ondo Ossa, had won 30.77 per cent of the votes.

Ondo Ossa had condemned "fraud orchestrated by the Bongo camp", claiming victory ahead of the closure of polls.&nbsp;

Ondo Ossa's campaign manager Mike Jocktane, on Monday (28 August), called on Bongo to hand over power "without bloodshed", insisting a partial count had Ondo Ossa clearly ahead, without providing any evidence.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Gabon soldiers on Wednesday (30 August) appeared on television and declared that they were "putting an end to the current regime". They also announced the cancellation of a poll that as per the results, was won by President Ali Bongo Ondimba.

Gabon soldiers on Wednesday (30 August) appeared on television and declared that they were "putting an end to the current regime". They also announced the cancellation of a poll that as per the results, was won by President Ali Bongo Ondimba. Military officers appeared on national television and declared they were seizing power, prompting some scenes of celebration in the Gabonese capital, Libreville and reports of gunfire on the streets of the capital. The announcement came minutes after the election body of the oil rich state announced that President Ali Bongo had won a third term, extending his family’s half-century rule over the Central African nation. As per news agency AFP reports, gunfires were heard in the Gabonese capital, Libreville at the time the announcement was being made. The soldiers said the election results stand cancelled, and all borders closed until further notice. While announcing the cancellation of the results one of the soldiers said "all the institutions of the republic" had been dissolved. "We have decided to defend the peace by putting an end to the current regime," one of the soldiers said on TV channel Gabon 24, adding that he was speaking on behalf of the "Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions". "To this end, the general elections of 26 August 2023 and the truncated results are cancelled," he added. "All the institutions of the republic are dissolved: the government, the Senate, the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court," he added, announcing the closure of the country's borders "until further notice". Also read: Gabon elections: Government cuts internet, imposes curfew amid voting delays The soldiers who made the announcement included members of the Republican Guard as well as soldiers of the regular army and police officers. The statement was also broadcast on Gabon 1 public television, according to news agency AFP. The Gabon coup would be the eighth in West and Central Africa since 2020. The latest one, in Niger, was in July. Military has already seized power in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Chad. Gabon elections The announcement by the soldiers came shortly after the national election authority said that Bongo had won a third term in the elections that were held on Saturday (26 August) with 64.27 per cent of the vote. As per the results, Bongo's rival, Albert Ondo Ossa, had won 30.77 per cent of the votes. Ondo Ossa had condemned "fraud orchestrated by the Bongo camp", claiming victory ahead of the closure of polls. Ondo Ossa's campaign manager Mike Jocktane, on Monday (28 August), called on Bongo to hand over power "without bloodshed", insisting a partial count had Ondo Ossa clearly ahead, without providing any evidence. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Gabonese military seizes power after President Ali Bongo wins third term in elections

Gabon’s government blocked internet access and imposed a nightly curfew across the country, on Saturday (August 26) after the general elections in which&nbsp;President Ali Bongo launched his bid to extend his family’s 56-year grip on power against the newly united opposition. The elections were also marked by major voting delays, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>About the ‘delayed’ elections</h2>

According to Reuters, the voting was due to start at 0700 GMT but at least five polling stations in the capital Libreville saw voters waiting hours for polls to open.&nbsp;

“This election is very tense because I don’t think a vote in our country has ever started so late,” voter Jeff Mbou at a polling station in Libreville’s Martine Oulabou school, where voting started nearly four hours late, told Reuters.&nbsp;

It was not immediately clear the extent to which these delays, if at all, affected the voters and their ability to cast their votes on time. Besides choosing the president, Gabon’s 850,000 will also be electing candidates for the legislature and local councils.&nbsp;

There is no fixed deadline for the announcement of results. However, the recent changes to the voting system could further complicate the aftermath, said Remadji Hoinathy, a researcher at the Africa-focused Institute for Security Studies, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

According to Hoinathy, the introduction of a ballot requires voters to pick a presidential candidate and lawmaker from the same party.&nbsp;

Critics have said that the move will favour the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG) since the opposition candidate is not backed by any single party. Albert Ondo Ossa (69) has told AFP that if elected he will “dissolve parliament and convene new elections” for the body. &nbsp;

This opposition has also raised concerns about the recent constitutional change to abolish two rounds of voting for the president.

<h2>Internet restrictions and curfew</h2>

The incumbent government on Saturday evening after the polls closed, cut the internet until further notice and imposed a night-time curfew from Sunday “in order to prevent any misbehaviour and to preserve the security of the entire population,” reported Reuters.&nbsp;

The curfews will begin at 7:00 pm (local time) and go on till 6:00 am (local time), said the government in a statement.&nbsp;

The nationwide internet shutdown was confirmed by Netblocks internet observatory which also noted that the move would “likely to severely limit the public’s ability to communicate during the election period”.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Fraud allegations’</h2>

The joint opposition candidate and his alliance, earlier on Saturday also questioned the legitimacy of the outcome while accusing the Bongo government of deliberately creating a disorganised election.

Ondo Ossa’s team, as per AFP, said that he was only able to cast his vote after his polling station opened eight hours behind schedule. Meanwhile, opposition alliance Alternance 2023’s president told the news agency that many others had experienced similar delays and claimed that the ballots listing Ondo Ossa’s name were missing in some polling stations.&nbsp;

In response to these accusations, Bongo’s campaign spokesperson Freddhy Koula, in an online post said, “The vote hasn't even finished yet, and already the opposition is losing its nerve and its composure. This attempt to sow discord, because defeat is near, will not work.”

<h2>Candidates and controversy</h2>

The race is currently between incumbent 64-year-old Bongo who took over Gabon after his father Omar in 2009 and is currently seeking a third term against 18 challengers, six of whom backed a joint nominee in an effort to narrow the race.&nbsp;

Bongo’s main threat is Ondo Ossa, an economics and management professor whose campaign was largely based on the need for change and better economic opportunities.&nbsp;

However, the opposition figure’s campaign is not free of controversy. Ahead of the elections anger erupted over a purported conversation between Ondo Ossa and a fellow opposition figure about various strategies “to create a power struggle” and support from other countries.&nbsp;

The conversation was recorded without their knowledge and posted on social media.&nbsp;

Alternance 2023 has since released a statement strongly denying the “veracity and authenticity of this conversation” and accused the government of “shameful manipulation”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Gabon’s government blocked internet access and imposed a nightly curfew across the country, on Saturday (August 26) after the general elections in which President Ali Bongo launched his bid to extend his family’s 56-year grip on power against the newly united opposition.

Gabon’s government blocked internet access and imposed a nightly curfew across the country, on Saturday (August 26) after the general elections in which President Ali Bongo launched his bid to extend his family’s 56-year grip on power against the newly united opposition. The elections were also marked by major voting delays, reported Reuters. About the ‘delayed’ elections According to Reuters, the voting was due to start at 0700 GMT but at least five polling stations in the capital Libreville saw voters waiting hours for polls to open. “This election is very tense because I don’t think a vote in our country has ever started so late,” voter Jeff Mbou at a polling station in Libreville’s Martine Oulabou school, where voting started nearly four hours late, told Reuters. It was not immediately clear the extent to which these delays, if at all, affected the voters and their ability to cast their votes on time. Besides choosing the president, Gabon’s 850,000 will also be electing candidates for the legislature and local councils. There is no fixed deadline for the announcement of results. However, the recent changes to the voting system could further complicate the aftermath, said Remadji Hoinathy, a researcher at the Africa-focused Institute for Security Studies, as per Reuters. According to Hoinathy, the introduction of a ballot requires voters to pick a presidential candidate and lawmaker from the same party. Critics have said that the move will favour the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG) since the opposition candidate is not backed by any single party. Albert Ondo Ossa (69) has told AFP that if elected he will “dissolve parliament and convene new elections” for the body. This opposition has also raised concerns about the recent constitutional change to abolish two rounds of voting for the president. Internet restrictions and curfew The incumbent government on Saturday evening after the polls closed, cut the internet until further notice and imposed a night-time curfew from Sunday “in order to prevent any misbehaviour and to preserve the security of the entire population,” reported Reuters. The curfews will begin at 7:00 pm (local time) and go on till 6:00 am (local time), said the government in a statement. The nationwide internet shutdown was confirmed by Netblocks internet observatory which also noted that the move would “likely to severely limit the public’s ability to communicate during the election period”. ‘Fraud allegations’ The joint opposition candidate and his alliance, earlier on Saturday also questioned the legitimacy of the outcome while accusing the Bongo government of deliberately creating a disorganised election. Ondo Ossa’s team, as per AFP, said that he was only able to cast his vote after his polling station opened eight hours behind schedule. Meanwhile, opposition alliance Alternance 2023’s president told the news agency that many others had experienced similar delays and claimed that the ballots listing Ondo Ossa’s name were missing in some polling stations. In response to these accusations, Bongo’s campaign spokesperson Freddhy Koula, in an online post said, “The vote hasn't even finished yet, and already the opposition is losing its nerve and its composure. This attempt to sow discord, because defeat is near, will not work.” Candidates and controversy The race is currently between incumbent 64-year-old Bongo who took over Gabon after his father Omar in 2009 and is currently seeking a third term against 18 challengers, six of whom backed a joint nominee in an effort to narrow the race. Bongo’s main threat is Ondo Ossa, an economics and management professor whose campaign was largely based on the need for change and better economic opportunities. However, the opposition figure’s campaign is not free of controversy. Ahead of the elections anger erupted over a purported conversation between Ondo Ossa and a fellow opposition figure about various strategies “to create a power struggle” and support from other countries. The conversation was recorded without their knowledge and posted on social media. Alternance 2023 has since released a statement strongly denying the “veracity and authenticity of this conversation” and accused the government of “shameful manipulation”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Gabon elections: Government cuts internet, imposes curfew amid voting delays

Gabon re-elected Ali Bongo as its president today, putting an end to controversies after rival Jean Ping claimed victory earlier. 
 
Gabon&#39;s election commission (Cenap) approved the elections and an official announcement will be made by the interior minister on a nationwide television, AFP reported. 
 
Bongo acquired 49.8 per cent votes, winning by a close edge as Ping managed 48.23 per cent of the vote bank nationwide. 
 
&quot;This presidential election projects us into a new era, a new dimension of our democracy,&quot; Bongo&#39;s spokesman Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze said in a statement. 
 
Bongo, following his father Omar&#39;s footsteps, stood as a leader of the oil-rich state for his second term. Ping has worked with Omar for many years, AFP reported. 
 
&quot;We tell the people of Gabon not to let their victory be stolen from them. Ali Bongo does not own this country,&quot; Paul Marie Gondjout, a commission member for Ping&#39;s party, told Reuters. 
 
Saturday vote was not accepted by delegates from Ping&#39;s team which lead to a secret ballot voting by the members of Cenap to approve the vote count. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)

Bongo acquired 49.8 per cent votes, winning by a close edge as rival Ping managed 48.23 per cent of the vote bank nationwide

Gabon re-elected Ali Bongo as its president today, putting an end to controversies after rival Jean Ping claimed victory earlier. Gabon's election commission (Cenap) approved the elections and an official announcement will be made by the interior minister on a nationwide television, AFP reported. Bongo acquired 49.8 per cent votes, winning by a close edge as Ping managed 48.23 per cent of the vote bank nationwide. "This presidential election projects us into a new era, a new dimension of our democracy," Bongo's spokesman Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze said in a statement. Bongo, following his father Omar's footsteps, stood as a leader of the oil-rich state for his second term. Ping has worked with Omar for many years, AFP reported. "We tell the people of Gabon not to let their victory be stolen from them. Ali Bongo does not own this country," Paul Marie Gondjout, a commission member for Ping's party, told Reuters. Saturday vote was not accepted by delegates from Ping's team which lead to a secret ballot voting by the members of Cenap to approve the vote count. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Ali Bongo re-elected as Gabon President

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