By Amina Hilda
President Ali Bongo Ondimba has announced he will be seeking a third mandate as president of Gabon.
The 64-year-old president announced his candidacy for the next presidential elections while addressing his supporters at a Special Investment Zone, located a few Kilometers from the capital city, Libreville.
“I officially announce today that I am a candidate,” Ali Bongo declared as he promised to make the country greater if he is reelected president.
His first seven-year mandate began in 2009 shortly after the death of his father Omar Bongo Ondimba. He was re-elected for a second mandate in 2016.
Both of Bongo’s election victories were challenged by the opposition, who claimed he was cheated. His triumph in 2016 sparked fatal clashes between police and protesters, and the parliament building was destroyed by fire.
Bongo’s re-election campaign was jeopardised after he suffered a stroke in October 2018 and was transported to Morocco for treatment. He went overseas for three months but returned soon after a coup attempt was foiled while he was gone.
The Gabonese parliament this April amended the country’s Constitution to reduce the president’s term from seven to five years.
Gabon will be holding its presidential, legislative, and local elections on August 26, 2023.
Bongo’s announcement comes a few days after many Africans praised Macky Sall of Senegal’s decision not to run for a third term.
