Libreville: Gabon votes in Presidential Elections on Sunday to replace Omar Bongo Ondimba, who ruled the oil-rich nation for 41 years before his death in June, with his son seen as a favourite to win.
Opposition leaders have failed to unite behind a single candidate to challenge the ex-president`s son, Ali Bongo, 50, who boasts the backing of the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party as well as a huge campaign war chest.
Omar Bongo had been Africa`s longest serving ruler, and opposition candidates have pledged to end what they call deep-rooted corruption as well as bring about a greater distribution of resources.
Meanwhile, Ali Bongo, who previously served as defence minister, has both defended his father`s legacy and labelled detractors turncoats while also pledging change.
"It`s not contradictory -- not at all," he said while attending a final campaign rally yesterday.
Pointing to thousands of supporters chanting his name, he said, "How could I not be confident?"
Gabon is sub-Saharan Africa`s fourth biggest oil producer, the world`s third biggest provider of manganese and Africa`s second biggest wood exporter. But an estimated 60 percent of the population of 1.5 million live below the poverty line.
Bureau Report
