2023-07-10 16:03:54
By Ferdinand GogouaBBC News Africa
2 hours ago
image copyrightAnadolu Agency
image caption,
Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba
The Head of State, candidate for his succession, made his declaration within the economic zone of Nkok which symbolizes the flagship of the industrial fabric with high added value for the economy and the employability of Gabonese.
Aged 64, the current Gabonese president was first elected in 2009 following the death of his father, Ali Bongo Ondimba.
His political party, the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), holds strong majorities in both houses of parliament.
Ali Bongo announced his candidacy on Sunday July 9.
“I am officially announcing today, here, that I am a candidate. People can blame me for things, but not for lacking ambition for my country,” declared the Gabonese head of state.
Reactions from Gabonese
The announcement of his candidacy aroused various reactions within the population in Libreville.
“I am very happy today, as an activist of the Gabonese Democratic Party, but also as a Gabonese citizen,” rejoices an activist interviewed by the BBC. While this other activist, wanting to be reassuring regarding the state of health of the outgoing president, affirms: “For a few years, we have seen an Ali Bongo on the ground, a valid Ali Bongo, a strong Ali Bongo. A brave Ali Bongo has carried out his medical examination brilliantly. We have a head of state ready.”
On the balance sheet of his first two terms, this citizen questioned in Libreville said he was not satisfied: “We admire our president a lot, but there are many things he promised but which he has not yet carried out since then. so many years. There is the problem of universities in the country. There really aren’t many universities. There are parents who don’t have money.”
President Ali Bongo was narrowly re-elected in 2016, with just 5,500 votes more than his rival Jean Ping, who claimed the election was rigged.
audio caption,
Jean Ping
The announcement of the results sparked violence in the capital, Libreville, which killed four civilians and a policeman, according to the government, while the opposition says 30 people were shot dead.
Ali Bongo suffered a stroke in 2018 from which he is gradually recovering. In recent months, he has traveled across the country.
Who will face the Gabonese president in this election?
The opposition in the country failed to agree on a single candidate. As a result, regarding fifteen people have already announced their intention to present themselves.
Former minister Paulette Missambo, leader of the National Union party, said she would run, as did Alexandre Barro Chambrier, who served as minister to the current president and his father.
Other names have also come forward such as former Vice-President Pierre-Claver Maganga Moussavou, former Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima, among others.
Potential candidates have until Tuesday, 6 p.m., to submit their application.
Gabon’s presidential election is scheduled for August 26. »
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