Gabonese government imposed Internet shutdown and curfew during elections

On Saturday, August 26, 2023, the Gabonese government imposed an Internet shutdown and curfew during elections, a drastic measure by blocking internet access for its citizens during the presidential elections and imposing a curfew from 7 a.m. on Saturday until 6 a.m. on Sunday.

This move was made as Ali Bongo, 64, sought re-election, having been in office since 2009 after taking over from his father, Omar Bongo, who ruled for 41 years.

At around 2 p.m. (Brasília time), government spokesperson Rodrige Mboumba Bissawou announced the measures on television, stating that the aim was to limit “disinformation” and “prevent the spread of calls for violence”.

The internet cut was confirmed by NetBlocks, a global internet access monitor, which stated that the Gabonese government imposes Internet shutdown and curfew during elections are “a challenge to electoral transparency as voting takes place and votes are counted”.

The opposition was quick to criticize the restrictions.

Opposition candidate Ondo Ossa, 69, told journalists he was “aware of the fraud orchestrated by Ali Bongo and his supporters”.

Apart from him and Ali Bongo, 16 other candidates were vying for the presidency of the African country.

Before the internet was shut down across the country, President Bongo posted a photo of himself voting on his X (formerly Twitter) account, captioning it, “I fulfilled my civic duty. I voted”.

He also posted a video showing supporters at campaign events with the caption: “We are voting and we are winning”.

This is at least the second time the Gabonese government has restricted internet access during elections; the last time was in the 2016 elections, which Bongo won.

The move by the Gabonese government highlights a concerning trend in some parts of the world where internet access is restricted during critical times, such as elections, limiting transparency and the ability of citizens to stay informed and communicate freely.

Such actions not only undermine the democratic process but also pose significant challenges to human rights and freedom of expression, confirming that the Gabonese government imposes Internet shutdown and curfew during elections.

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