The election was held to replace long-time president Omar Bongo, who died in June after 42 years in power.

VOA: standard.2009.10.04

Opposition demonstrators are targeting French concerns because of the long relationship between French leaders and the 42-year-rule of Gabonese President Omar Bongo.

VOA: standard.2009.09.05

Bongo has urged voters to ignore rival candidates who he says are traitors and liars who will turn their backs on the country.

VOA: standard.2009.08.28

President Obama urged President Bongo Ondimba to take bold steps to root out corruption and to reform the judiciary and other key institutions to ensure the protection of human rights, and he welcomed the reforms that Gabon has taken under President Bongo Ondimba to bring more transparency and accountability to government.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House

Videos on YouTube reveal a rapping Ali Bongo bouncing on stage with Gabon's hip-hop community.

CNN: The tiny African nation that's a rappers' delight

Omar Bongo, Gabon's president for 35 years, secured a constitutional change that could let him remain in power indefinitely.

ECONOMIST: Seeking Saddam