Late president Omar Bongo Ondimba was the dominant political figure in the Gabon history, as he had skilfully eliminated most forms of political opposition through his politic of coalition and authoritarianism. After the death of Mr Bongo Ondimba, there is now risks to stability in the country.

23 candidates will run for the presidential palace. During this period Gabonese believed to the presence of French troops in Gabon capital will avoid the mess which could happen during or after the pool.

The candidates include Ali Bongo Ondimba, Defence minister in the running government and son of the late president Omar Bongo Ondimba. Ali Bongo and Pierre Claver Maganga Moussavou are the only two candidates running for presidential election who don’t want to leave the government.

Gabon’s depends on oil revenues and has made its economy hostage to fluctuation in oil prices. Despite the variation in international prices of oil revenue, the estimation of it increase is obvious in 2009 owing to the strengthening of the US dollar against the CFA francs.

The country assisted since 1990 to series of differents problems in which most of them where solved. Thanks to it oil exports and small population. Despite such advantages in the economy, most of its people live in poverty.

As oil reserves diminish, the government is promoting private sector development to support growth in the non-oil sector. Such as eco-tourism, Gabon ’s rainforests teem with wildlife, including lowland gorillas and forest elephants. National parks make up around one tenth of the land area.

Reforms in the mining and forestry sectors are starting to pay off in the form of higher growth rates in the non-oil sector. The non-oil real GDP growth is forecast to accelerate to over 6% in 2009, Ministry of Economy announced. The country estimates 18,9% of GDP in 2009, official said.

Other issues, such as corruption, need to be improved and managed wisely ; because, transparency in public financial management, besides being slower, will continue to oppose changes due to some of Gabonese vested interests.

Gabon is one of the Central Africa ’s more stable countries. Since its freedom from France in 1960, Gabon has had two presidents. The first late president, Leon Mba and the second late leader, president Omar Bongo Ondimba, who died in June 8, in Spain , stayed in power for over four decades.

Despite the fact that there are more than 40 official ethnics groups, Gabon escaped the strife affecting other African states.

FIN/IPG/KHM/2009

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