DHAKA: Gabonese opposition leader Jean Ping has said a constitution court ruling which upheld President Ali Bongo’s election victory was “unjust”.

Ping called for his supporters to “remain vigilant and mobilized”. There have been concerns about violent protests following the court ruling, reports the BBC.

To ease tension Bongo offered to include opposition members in his cabinet.

He came to power in 2009 when his father died after ruling for 42 years.

President Bongo says he is now seeking to form a new government.

Speaking to supporters in the capital Libreville, Ping sought to ensure supporters that the Gabonese people would be “respected” and that “2016 will not be 2009”.

Ping had asked the court to re-examine results in the Haut-Ogooue province where Bongo won 95% of the vote on a turnout of 99.9%

But the court threw out copies of tally sheets that Ping had presented as evidence, saying they had not been verified.

Ping had warned that Gabon could face serious instability if the court rejected his appeal for a recount in that province.

BDST: 1140 HRS, SEP 25, 2016
RR

*** Gabon court upholds Ali Bongo election win