afrol News, 1 September - Tensions are said to be mounting in Gabon as the citizen patiently wait for the final announcement of the results following the Sunday presidential elections.

Reports have also said that there is a build up of armed troops in the city following yesterday’s calls by the interim leader for non-violence and show of maturity by all citizens.

The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has also joined the world in welcoming the peaceful presidential elections in Gabon, while calling on the people of the African nation to continue supporting the democratic process.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson yesterday, Mr Ban urged all Gabonese “to ensure the will of the people is respected.”

He also asked the people to heed the appeal by Interim President Rose Francine Rogombé “for calm and responsibility” as the votes from the 30 August polls are counted.

In June, the Secretary-General paid tribute to the late Gabonese president, Omar Bongo Ondimba, underscoring “the key role he played in the search for peace and stability not only in the Central Africa subregion, but also in other parts of the continent,” according to a statement.

The African Union (AU) observers also called for calm as security forces stepped up patrols in the capital today.

Three main contenders have all claimed victory, including the son of the late ruler Omar Bongo. However, electoral officials have dismissed all the claims of victory, saying only the official figures that will be announced will tell who would become the next president.

The elections will decide on who shall become the successor to Mr Bongo who died in June this year after being admitted at a Spanish clinic. He had ruled the country for 42 years.

Some more than 800,000 electorates were expected to cast the votes on Sunday with 18 contenders registered for the presidential race.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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