Hot on the heels of the Zambian election, an anxiously awaited election is looming in Gabon where President Ali Bongo Ondimba and his motley opponents are rounding off campaigns. Ahead of next Saturday’s election, tension is high with increased police presence in capital Libreville. Fourteen candidates have been approved by the electoral commission. Bongo’s main challenger is former African Union Commission chief Jean Ping who was selected by opposition barons. Bongo is seeking a second seven-year term even as the Opposition challenges his eligibility.
In the meantime, the situation in Zambia has remained commendably calm following the August 11 election. The final results were released on Monday after a delay that had the country on tenterhooks.
Contrary to predictions that there would be a re-run, President Edgar Lungu of the ruling Patriotic Front party emerged victor in the fiercely fought race.
Amid claims of rigging, he garnered 1,860,877 votes, earning a 50.3 per cent win against main challenger Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development who received 1,760,347 votes.
Full Article: Focus shifts to Gabon after Zambian election – Daily Nation.
