The first vote of the president after the military coup

People go to the polls to select the next President Gabon, where for the first time in decades the Bong family is not in voting.

Former President Ali Bong was forced from power 19 months ago by the inspirer of General Bris Oiliguy Nguema, who in turn changed the Constitution to allow him to work in the Saturday election.

A total of eight presidential candidates, only one woman in the race – Ging Haning Zenaba.

Other presidential contenders include former Prime Minister Allen Claude Bili-nze, who served in Bong mode, as well as two unwavering party party Stefan Germen Ilac and Elena Simlas Bungur.

The election results may start on Sunday, but officials may continue the number next week.

It is expected that almost a million people are supposed to be in Gabon and its diaspora.

A small, rich oil and woody central African nation for only 2.5 million people. Despite their resources, about 35% of the population still live below the poverty line of 2 (1.50 pounds) per day.

During the two -week period, most candidates preferred the voters in the interior, while rallies in the capital, Libville, were limited.

However, a large number of posters and billboards for Oligui NGUEMA dominates the streets of Libreville, with very few advertisements.

“I vote for the Oligui NGUEMA builder,” the company said at the top of the taxi driver Landra Obama-Mesui, who likes the junta leader because he “came with a new way to do everything before speeches.”

But the critics of Oligui NGUEMA say he presided over the unfair transition and election process, introducing a new Constitution and the Electoral Code aimed at preferring his own election candidacy, despite his promise to pass power to civilians.

The upper age limit was also introduced, making one of the most popular rivals oliguema Albert Osa.

Go “Back to the barracks” was jibe From the person who is considered as the closest competitor Oligui NGUEMA in the vote, Bili. He considers himself a change that requires the country, but its proximity to the overthrown regime still attracts criticism from some.

After 55 of the next years, under President Omar Bong and his son Ali Bong people Gabanese told the BBC that everything they wanted was the cessation of theft, maple, debt and unemployment they survived.

“We expect that there is a new Gabon, which is well-guided, well managed, where there is social justice, justice and equal chance,” said Noel Kant. “We want a developed and prosperous Gabon.”

“I would like the (next) president to focus more in workplaces,” said 30-year-old pharmacist Seni Akulatela, who also stated that she was not paid in her current profession.

“The unemployment rate is so high, so they must at least show some sympathy for this issue, especially in the private sector.”

Surveys should close at 6:00 pm (17:00 GMT) on Saturday.