Gabon - Presidential election results

Ali Bongo confirmed as President of Gabon

Article published on the 2009-10-13 Latest update 2009-10-13 09:42 TU

Ali Bongo in Libreville in September 2009
(Photo: Issouf Sanogo/AFP)

The Gabonese Constitutional Court has confirmed that Ali Bongo won the Presidential election, after weeks of deliberations. The court reviewed challenges from the nine other candidates, and announced late Monday that the son of late President Omar Bongo Odimba is President of Gabon.

"The election of Mr. Ali Bongo Ondimba as president of the Gabonese Republic is confirmed," said chief justice Marie Madeleine Mborantsuo.

The court said Ali Bongo won with 41.79 per cent of the vote, and Pierre Mamboundou, who was originally named third place, came in second with 25.64 per cent. Former Interior Minister Andre Mba Obame came in third with 25.33 per cent.

Opponents have claimed the 30 August election was rigged. After the court announced results on 4 September, violent protests broke out in the economic capital Port-Gentil.

The court reviewed 11 requests for the election results to be annulled.

"Right and the law have prevailed," said Faustin Boukoubi, secretary general of the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party, after the verdict, saying he had "a feeling of

full satisfaction” with the decision.

In the post-election violence, the government said three people were killed, while the opposition claims that 15 people died.