#Gabon: parliamentary elections, opposition press release

Libreville, Gabon, December 18, 2011 - The election of December 17, 2011 for the renewal of MPs in the National Assembly was characterized by a massive abstention unprecedented in our country. In provinces like Estuaire (most populous, including the capital city of Libreville), Ogooué-Maritime, Moyen-Ogooué, Woleu-Ntem, Nyanga and Ogooué-Ivindo, the abstention rate is over 85% when polls closed. In Ngounié, Haut-Ogooué and Ogooué-Lolo the abstention rate is between 65% and 75%. Many voting centers in Estuaire and Woleu-Ntem did not see the presence of a single voter.

Thus, by refusing to condone the parody election organized by the PDG (party in power) which used public funds, with large amount of money, in billions of CFA francs (local currency), the Gabonese largely followed the slogan of the opposition and civil society movement "That's enough", despite threats and intimidation. They stayed at home, doing other things. They further confirmed by amplifying their votes so scathing of August 30, 2009 for the alternation of power. This is a repudiation of those in power and one who embodies Ali Bongo.

Ali Bongo as many of his friends including current French authorities can not act as if December 17, 2011 had been an epiphenomenon of the national politics in Gabon; the election of December 17, 2011 marked the end of a power which illegitimacy is now confirmed at both the executive and the legislature levels. The authorities will have to rely on the determination of the opposition that we are to reach the people of Gabon to achieve true democracy in our country.

This is an opportunity to thank the Gabonese greatly as they have understood and respect our slogan "no biometrics, no electoral transparency, no elections."

Also, by expressing their rejection of the political power of PDG who still do not always resolve to hold fair, transparent and credible elections, people of Gabon has shown courage and maturity and expressed their frustration and their rejection of mismanagement the country. We congratulate them and pledge our unwavering commitment to their side to fight for alternance and real change.

The process is on and it is irreversible.

For political parties of the opposition

Jules Aristide BOURDES OGOULIGUENDÉ

Secretary General of the CDJ