The day after the vote in Gabon, the compilation of the results is in progress, after a triple election, Saturday August 26, namely presidential, legislative and local. Difficult day, Saturday, where the poll experienced many delays and malfunctions. The political situation became tense during the day.
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Saturday, the day of the vote, the main opposition candidate, Albert Ondo Ossa accused the power of fraud and, at the end of the day, the government announced immediate internet shutdown and a curfew from this Sunday evening, 7:00 p.m., until 6:00 a.m.
In the middle of the afternoon of this Sunday August 27, the atmosphere was calm. Taxis and vehicles were circulating, people who were at church went home. Nevertheless, according to several testimonies, the police presence was a little more visible. Security forces have been deployed in some service stations. At the Rio crossroads, well known for being a hotbed of protest, two anti-riot vehicles and a firefighter were on site.
It is expected that the security device will be reinforced throughout the day as the curfew approaches at 7:00 p.m. Already on Saturday evening, roadblocks began to appear overnight in some places.
Among the population, some residents we contacted do not hide their apprehension. They particularly fear the announcement of the results and a new post-election crisis.
In 2016, it was this announcement that led to serious violence and therefore, this year, the population anticipated. Last Friday, it was pay day, many went to the stores to stock up and buy non-perishable foodstuffs in particular.
Waiting for results
The Gabonese Elections Center is in the process of centralizing the results. It is not known when the final figures will be announced, because, for the first time, the country organized a triple ballot and, of course, the Internet shutdown does not facilitate the work of the electoral agents.
On the political side, we are also awaiting the verdict of the ballot box. ” With the curfew and the Internet shutdown, the authorities are clearly trying to terrorize the population into hiding at home “, Says an opponent.
Alternances 2023 also compiles the figures. The main opposition platform had candidates and scrutineers all over the country who make it possible to collect the minutes (PV) of the results. These minutes are transferred to Libreville where the coalition has two headquarters, one political and one technical. The main tenors, they were to meet in the afternoon, in anticipation of a declaration, this Sunday.
On Saturday evening, the PDG presidential party was delighted with the smooth running of the polls in most offices. Its Deputy Secretary General has however noted shortcomings which are not likely to compromise the credibility of the vote. He also warned political actors against any inflammatory statements.
Why is the internet shut down?
The authorities therefore cut off the Internet, in the wake of the election. They say this should serve to put an end to false information and calls for hatred. However, according to Gemal Affagnon, West Africa manager at Internet without borders, this measure mainly discredits the elections.
Gemal Affagnon, West Africa Manager at Internet Without Borders
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