© GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP
Gabonese President Ali Bongo (illustrative image).
In Gabon, President Bongo’s activists are increasingly calling on him to declare himself a candidate. On March 12, on the occasion of the 54th anniversary of the PDG party, Ali Bongo announced that 2023 was approaching “ to big steps », that he « would be there “, with the only way out” a frank, clear, indisputable victory ».
Estuaire, Ogooué-Maritime or Moyen-Ogooué… With the celebrations of the CEO’s 54th birthday across the country, tongues are loosened and activists are pushing Ali Bongo to declare himself a candidate. Calls are expected to continue at least until the celebrations end in two weeks. As for the official candidacy of the Gabonese president, the date remains unknown, but no one doubts it. ” There is not much suspense and he himself is preparing “says someone close to him.
The opposition also puts itself in battle order. Today, the controversies over his alleged Biafran origin or the number of presidential terms are no longer relevant. One of the angles of attack should be the health of the Head of State, which has diminished since his stroke at the end of 2018. For opponent Guy Nzouba Ndama, “ the president might have put his health first. The CEO is rich in potential candidates. Ali Bongo underwent a major operation. Will he have to exhaust himself in political debates? “Asks the leader of the Democrats party.
But a source close to power warns: this argument will not work. ” We are of Bantu culture. People have decency. The debates on his health will be badly perceived by the voterss”, says this politician. ” Debating your health is not unhealthy. We are still talking regarding the management of a country retorts Guy Nzouba Ndama.
But will Ali Bongo be confident enough to campaign? One of his relatives believes that he ” can fit perfectly “, even if it will have to be spared and that the campaign can be adapted as needed.
► To read also: Gabon: the opposition hesitates on the strategy to adopt for the presidential election of 2023
