Gabonese elevates their president after 19 months of military regime – L’Express

Omnipresent on display panels, in the media and on social networks, the president Largely dominated the brief electoral campaign against seven almost invisible competitors, including the last Prime Minister of Ali Bongo (2009-2023), Alain-Claude Bilie by Nze.

The new strong man in Gabon predicted a historic victorywhich must mark the return to constitutional order in this country rich in oil but economically exsangue after decades of mismanagement, looting and waste under the regime of the Bongo family.

Unemployment, electricity failures, water cuts, degraded roads, insufficient public transport, lack of schools, failing hospitals … The challenges are numerous and the expectations of the 2.3 million inhabitants very high.

Some 920,000 voters are expected between 07:00 (6:00 GMT) and 6:00 p.m. (5:00 p.m. GMT) in 3,037 polling stations for this election announced for the month of August and finally anticipated. The transitional regime having opted for a tightened calendar, the electoral campaign only lasted 13 days.

About fifty observation missions bringing together approximately 2,450 people were accredited by the authorities, who promised a ballot pound and transparent. The results could be published on Monday, according to sources at the Ministry of the Interior.

The builder is there, the special candidate, the one you calledsaid Mr. Oligui Thursday during his closing meeting in Libreville, with music, dance, bright fountain and release of balloons. Like the previous days in Franceville (East) or Mouila (South), the images of its breakdance steps have become viral on social networks.

Its new platform, the Building of buildersreceived the support of countless movements and associations which accompanied him in a triumphant tour across the country, bringing together enthusiastic crowds, distributing caps, t-shirts and loincloths in his effigy.

The 12 is the 12 et A cash victory are the most popular slogans of his supporters.

Far from the big shows of the one who promises boom towards blissthe other candidates led very discreet field campaigns, with door-to-door and chat.

Alain-Claude Bilie by Nze, who presents himself as his main opponent, has erected as a candidate for Total ruptureaccusing Mr. Oligui, in view of his functions spent with Bongo, of embodying the continuity of the system.

Several associations, such as the Federation of Gospel actors in Gabon and the Union of Youth for Community Actions (UJAC), have called on voters to mobilize. An improbable Association of neutrals even organized a press conference on Friday for take a stand against abstention and support The great candidate Brice Oligui Nguema.

Last November, many voters had not moved to the referendum on the new Constitution, finally adopted with 91.64% of oui And a participation rate of 54.18%, according to official figures.

Friday was declared public holidays and public transport will be free on Saturday, according to official press releases.

Drinking flows will be closed from Friday 11:30 p.m. to Saturday 00:00, according to a press release read on public television by a plainclothes presenter and not by soldiers in uniforms, as was generally the case since the coup.

The new electoral law provides for a report of minutes in each polling station and in each commission for the centralization of the results. Provision inherited from the old electoral code, the ballots will be cremated in each of the polling stations after counting.