First presidential vote after the military coup

People are heading for the ballot boxes to choose the next Gabon president, where for the first time in decades a member of the Bongo family is not on the newsletter.

Former President Ali Bongo was forced by power 19 months ago by the coup chief, General Briss Oligui Ngma, who in turn changed the constitution to allow him to run at the Saturday election.

A total of eight candidates are running to become president, with only one woman in the race – Gninga Chaning Zenaba.

Other presidential athletes include former Prime Minister Alain Claude Billy more, who serves under the Bongo regime, as well as two persecution of the former PDG, Stéphane Germain Iloko and Alain Simplice Boungouzz party.

Election results may start to be announced on Sunday, but employees may continue the number of next week.

Nearly one million people are expected to vote in Gabon and her diaspora.

The small -rich oil and timber central African nation is home to only 2.5 million people. Despite its resources, about 35% of the population still lives below the poverty line of $ 2 ($ 1.50) per day.

During the two -week campaign period, most of the candidates prioritize the response of voters inside, while the rallies in the capital Libreville were limited.

Still, a large number of Oligui Nguema posters and billboards dominate the streets of Libreville, seeing very few of the ads of his rivals.

“I will vote for the builder Oligui Ngma,” reads a message on the campaign at the top of the taxi driver Landry Obam-Mezui, who likes the junta driver because he “came in with a new way of doing things before speeches.”

But the critics of Oligui Nguema claim that he has chaired an unfair transitional and electoral process by introducing a new constitutional and electoral code designed to favor his own candidacy in the election, despite his promise to convey the power to the civilians.

The upper age limit has been introduced, which makes one of the most popular rivals of Oligui Nguema Albert Ossa opposition.

Walk “back to the barracks” was the jib From the man viewed as the closest Oligui Nguema rival at the vote, Bilie-By-Nze. He considers himself to be the change that the country needs, but his proximity to the iconic regime still attracts criticism from some.

After 55 consecutive years with President Omar Bongo and his son Ali Bongo, the Gabon people told the BBC that everything they wanted was the end of the appropriation, the kronism, the indebtedness and the unemployment they had endured.

“Our expectation is to have a new Gabon, which is well managed, well managed, where there is social justice, justice and equal chances,” said registered voter Noel Kunta. “We want developed and prosperous gabon.”

“I would like (the next) president to focus more on jobs,” said 30-year-old pharmacist Seons, a sharpener, who also said he was unpaid in his current profession.

“The degree of unemployment is so high, so they have to at least show some compassion for this issue, especially in the private sector.”

The polls will be closed at 18:00 local time (17:00 GMT) on Saturday.