Why was the 2016 presidential election between Ali Bongo and Jean Ping controversial?

The 2016 presidential election in Gabon between incumbent Ali Bongo and challenger Jean Ping was highly controversial due to significant concerns regarding electoral integrity and transparency.

International observers criticized the process for its lack of transparency, and the delayed release of results created widespread tension. When results were announced, Bongo was declared the winner with 49.8 percent of the vote, narrowly defeating Ping, who received 48.2 percent. Suspicion was fueled by the reported voter turnout in Bongo’s home province, which was allegedly over 99 percent, compared to a national average of less than 60 percent.12

Following the announcement, protesters took to the streets, and the country’s parliament building in Libreville was set on fire. Although Ping challenged the results in the Constitutional Court, the court upheld Bongo’s victory and even adjusted the final tallies by canceling results from 21 polling stations, which increased Bongo’s lead. Ping rejected the court's ruling, and the international community expressed concern over the proceedings, yet Bongo was sworn in for his second term on September 27, 2016.12