Tension is high in Gabon after Jean Ping, the main challenger to President Ali Bongo Ondimba, claimed victory in the presidential election that was held on Saturday before official results were announced by the Autonomous and Permanent National Electoral Commission (CENAP).
A delay in releasing the results scheduled for Tuesday has stoked tension in the streets of Libreville, the capital of Gabon, which necessitated the deployment of armed forces to deal with any violence.
There are fears of a post-election unrest come after Ping published figures on Sunday that showed him leading against Bongo, contrary to the nation’s elections rules barring candidates from publishing results before the electoral body releases them.
On Wednesday, days after polling, the streets of Libreville were deserted and shops and stalls that are usually remained closed.
Most residents said they had bought food supplies in advance and stayed indoors as fears of violence mounted.
Ping, a career diplomat and former chairman of African Union (AU), called on Bongo to concede defeat while the president’s party accused Ping of election fraud, describing the allegations as an attempt to forcefully oust Bongo from power, Reuters reported.
Political analysts warned that Bongo can decide to hold onto power even if he loses by influencing the electoral body that is not independent and the constitutional court that hears election disputes has judges whose appointment was influenced by the president.
The election was marred by malpractices as Bongo used state media and resources during the campaigns.
“The mission (European Union) deplores the lack of transparency of the bodies running the election,” said Mariya Gabriel, head of the EU observer team to the election.
The opposition leader defended his allegations saying that it was meant to prevent Bongo from rigging the elections in his favor, as it happened in 2009, when he succeeded his late father, France Omar Bongo, according to Al Jazeera.
Several people were killed in post-poll clashes, buildings looted and the French Consulate in the oil-rich city Port Gentil set on fire as opposition supporters clashed with security forces.
The election has been described as the biggest test to the 49-year old dynasty of the Bongo family, pitting two former allies within the nation’s power circles.
Ping served in the elder Bongo’s cabinet for nine years as Foreign Affairs minister and his election to the AU chairmanship in February 2008 was greatly influenced by the late leader.
He married Pascaline Ondimba, Omar Bongo’s eldest daughter and bore two children but later divorced her in early 90s.
Ping’s father was a Chinese businessman while there have been allegations that Ali Bongo is a Nigerian orphan who was adopted by his late father.
Ban-Ki-Moon, United Nations Secretary General urged the two friends-turned foes to accept the results and ensure that violence does not recur as it happened in 2009.
“He asks all stakeholders to refrain from inciting or taking part in any acts of violence,” read a statement sent by his spokesperson.
