Gabon Election: Candidates Multiply Winning Strategies

Incumbent Ali Bongo and the opposition candidates are combing all the nooks and crannies of the country with enticing messages.

The hustle and bustle in Gabon’s political playground is getting to the crescendo as candidates aspiring for the presidency in the August 27, 2016 presidential election use every possible and available means to woo voters. Incumbent President Ali Bongo’s main opposition challenger, Jean Ping continues to gain more support as another opposition candidate, Leon-Paul Ngoulakia withdrew from the race last Saturday and declared his support for Jean Ping, news agencies said.

"I am here because you decided that we needed a single candidate to end this dictatorship that we've been living through," he is quoted to have justified. This is another booster for Jean Ping who had earlier received the support of Guy Nzouba Ndama, former parliamentary speaker, as well as   the former Prime Minister Casimir Oye Mba on August 16, 2016.  This implies that only 11 candidates are actively canvassing for votes now. Ali Bongo on his part continues with campaign with great zeal and determination considering the support he has from some political parties and associations.

The international community is also interested in Saturday’s presidential election. ...