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Gabon’s President Ali Bongo Ondimba, who has been in office for 14 years, was re-elected for a third term on Saturday with 64.27 percent of the vote cast, according to the national electoral body.
In a single round of voting, Bongo defeated his primary competitor Albert Ondo Ossa, who received 30.77 percent of the vote, while 12 other candidates were divided among those who remained, according to Michel Stephane Bonda, chairman of the Gabonese Elections Centre, who spoke on state television. The voter turnout was 56.65%.
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According to the figures released ahead to the announcement of the officers, Bongo’s primary competitor Albert Ondo Ossa received only 30.77 percent of the vote.
Ondo Ossa had accused Bongo of “fraud” before the polls closed on Saturday, claiming he was the genuine winner.
Bongo’s government ordered a curfew and a nationwide internet ban during the election to avoid the dissemination of “false news” and possible violence.
Ondo Ossa’s campaign manager, Mike Jocktane, called on Bongo to hand over power “without bloodshed” on Monday, claiming that a partial count showed Ondo Ossa clearly ahead but offering no proof.
Gabonese law prohibits the publication of partial results before the final result, which can only be published by the Gabonese Elections Centre, the entity that organizes the polls.
