Gabon's civil society appeals for calm ahead of elections

A coalition of civil society organisations in Gabon is requesting calm few months to the presidential election in the country.

There have been concerns of election violence due to rising tension in the Central African nation.

The groups have submitted a peace manifesto to the United Nations and the European Union.

They are advising citizens to accept the results of the ballot and avoid conflict after results are released.

The presidential election is scheduled for August but President Ali Bongo is facing increasing pressure from the opposition not to stand.

The ruling Gabonese Democratic Party has however blamed the opposition of planning to set the Central African nation into chaos.

Bongo was endorsed last month by party officials after his candidacy was announced earlier in February.

Ali Bongo Ondimba came to power in 2009 following the death of his father who has ruled the country since 1967.

He is facing stiff resistance from several senior members who have decried what they consider as poor governance.