Gabon is gearing up for a presidential election next month, with 19 candidates, including incumbent President Ali Bongo, in the running. The election commission has approved Bongo's candidacy, despite opposition claims that he is unfit for the presidency due to his stroke in 2018.

Bongo's main challenger is former Mines Minister Alexandre Barro Chambrier, who is participating in the presidential election for the first time. Other candidates include Pierre-Claver Maganga Moussavou, founder of the Social Democratic Party, and Raymond Ndong Sima, former prime minister.

The ruling Gabonese Democratic Party is expected to come out ahead in the legislative and local elections as well. However, opposition members have joined forces through the Alternance 2023 coalition in an attempt to present a united front against Bongo.

These elections come amidst controversies surrounding changes to the electoral code, with critics arguing that the modifications favor the ruling majority and raise concerns over fairness. Gabon, an oil-rich West African state, has been ruled by the Bongo family for 55 years. The presidential election will take place on August 26.