LIBREVILLE — Security forces deployed on the deserted streets of Libreville Tuesday as Gabon awaited official results of the weekend presidential election that both the incumbent Ali Bongo and his main rival already claim to have won.The interior minister said he would announce official results after the Cenap election commission meets at about 7.00pm, reiterating that it is illegal to release results before then. But late on Tuesday night the results had still not been released.Presidential challenger Jean Ping, a 73-year-old career diplomat, was said by his team to have a 60,000-vote lead over Bongo which could only be overturned with "massive fraud".Bongo’s camp said the president — who came to power in a 2009 election held after the death of his father Omar Bongo, who had ruled the oil-rich central African country for 41 years — was guaranteed victory. Many in Gabon fear a repeat of the violence that followed the 2009 election.UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon earlier on Tuesday ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.