AU to send observers to Gabon over contested election

The African Union said it plans to send observers to help Gabon’s constitutional court with legal compliant lodged by opposition leader, Jean Ping who accused president Ali Bongo of rigging the August 27 elections to his favor.

Election dispute in the country has led to riots resulting in the killing of at least six people by security forces and had brought an unwelcomed international scrutiny for the country.

“Never have I put the life of a Gabonese in danger, never have I interfered with someone’s freedom. I know that violence leaves only one thing in its trail, that thing is unhappiness. It is in that context that I have asked the competent authorities to take all measures to ensure that on the one hand, the security of Gabonese in their everyday life,” Ali Bongo said.

AU plans to send observers to #Gabon election appeal https://t.co/FczGZ9NBw1 via Reuters #Gabon2016

— Bate Felix Tabi Tabe (BateFelix) September 14, 2016

Ping had filled an appeal to the court to authorise a recount of a province that is Bongo’s stronghold, but has said he has no faith in the judicial body because of its ties to the Bongo family.

Bongo’s family has ruled the central African OPEC member country for nearly 50 years.