
"Gabon's Presidential Election: Opposition Aims to Turn the Page on Bongos"
Six opposition parties in Gabon have formed the coalition movement Alternance 2023 to challenge President Ali Bongo, who is seeking a third term in office. The consensus candidate for the coalition is Albert Ondo Ossa, an economics professor and former cabinet minister. Ossa aims to bring about political change and improve the lives of the Gabonese people by implementing rational management of the country's resources, reducing energy problems, and prioritizing infrastructure development. The coalition is boycotting the legislative election, citing concerns about transparency, and is relying on the support of the international community to ensure a free and fair election. Ossa believes he has a chance to win this time, given the popular discontent with President Bongo's leadership. He also emphasizes that his criticisms are political and not related to Bongo's health, and defends his own integrity during his time in government under Bongo's father.