03 Sep 2009
The son of Gabon's long-time leader Omar Bongo has been declared the winner of the country's presidential election amid protests and allegations of fraud.

The Thursday announcement of Ali Ben Bongo's victory with 42% of the vote sparked a rampage by opposition supporters, with police using teargas and batons to disperse protesters.

The French consulate was torched and the crowd attacked a prison releasing hundreds of inmates, AFP reported.

Hours after the ballots closed on Sunday, all of the country's three main candidates, including opposition leader Pierre Mamboundou and the ex-interior minister Andre Mba Obame, claimed victory with the majority of the vote.

Omar Bongo, who passed away in June, was at the helm of power in the oil-rich nation for four decades. The ruling Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG) had endorsed his son as their candidate.

The late leader was seen as a major element in enhancing Paris' influence in the former French colony as well as Central Africa.

Paris reportedly warned around 10,000 French nationals to avoid going outside as rumors of a fix in the election aided by France fueled anger in the country.

presstv