Gabon's president eyes third term as opposition seeks end to Bongo dynasty rule

FILE PHOTO: Gabon's President Ali Bongo Ondimba addresses the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. Headquarters in New York City, U.S., September 21, 2022. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo

LIBREVILLE (Reuters) - Gabonese President Ali Bongo has campaigned for re-election in remote corners of the rainforested nation this month, seeking to dispel opposition claims he lacks the strength and track record to fulfil generous electoral promises in a third term.

The Central African state holds presidential, legislative and local elections on Aug. 26. Of Bongo's 18 competitors, six have backed a joint candidate in an effort to marshal the opposition vote and end his family's 56-year grip on power.