PM names new govt after winning disputed election

Gabon’s prime minister has named a new government in the wake of disputed elections, but it contained no representatives of opposition leader Jean Ping, who says the vote was rigged. According to a government statement, the only opposition leader named in Prime Minister Emmanuel Issozet Ngondet’s cabinet of 40 people is Bruno Ben Moubamba, who […]

Gabon’s prime minister has named a new government in the wake of disputed elections, but it contained no representatives of opposition leader Jean Ping, who says the vote was rigged.
According to a government statement, the only opposition leader named in Prime Minister Emmanuel Issozet Ngondet’s cabinet of 40 people is Bruno Ben Moubamba, who came in a distant third in the Aug. 27 vote.
Moubamba was chosen as deputy prime minister and minister for urbanization and social habitats.
President Ali Bongo was declared the election winner by fewer than 6,000 votes. France called for a recount, and the European Union said it found anomalies in Bongo’s stronghold province of Haut-Ogooue, where he won 95 percent on a 99.9 percent turnout.
Bongo became leader in 2009 on the death of his father, who ruled for 42 years. The win gives Bongo another seven years in office.
Most members of the new government came from the ruling party, despite previous statements by the government that it sought a political opening with the opposition. The cabinet includes 12 women.