Equatorial
Guinea Elections Credible- Observers
Equatorial
Guinea's election won overwhelmingly by incumbent President
Theodore Obiang Nguema has been approved as credible by the
grouping of central African nations which observed the poll.
A statement by observers from the Economic Community of Central
African States, (ECCAS), posted on the Equatorial Guinean
website on Wednesday, said, "The freedom, transparency and
credibility of the election dignify the people of Equatorial
Guinea.’’
Obiang won 95.2 percent of votes cast in Sunday's poll,
authorities said, rejecting complaints of irregularities by
rights groups and a rival candidate.
The result was just short of Obiang's 97.1 percent score in Year
2002, when opponents withdrew, complaining of harassment.
Failing
The observers however noted its shortcomings to include the
lack of representatives of political parties at some voting
centres, treatment of proxy votes and a security presence
outside polling booths that was "not discreet.",
Obiang came to power 30 years ago and is now set for a further
seven-year term in which he is expected to pursue his goal of
transforming the tiny country of 650,000 people into a major
energy player despite mounting human rights concerns.
It is already one of sub-Saharan Africa's top five oil producers
and has plans to become a regional gas hub.
REUTERS/Yinka
