Third-World Politics Is So Messy
2nd September 2023
Ali Bongo was elected President of Gabon in 2009, re-elected in 2016, and again this week. Many election observers complained of multiple voting irregularities in all three elections, but Mr. Bongo told a friendly media that those observers were enemies of democracy, the people had spoken, and he would humbly serve his country as he was called upon to do. Coincidentally, he has been accused of attempting to control the media as well.
Gabon is a member of OPEC and brings in billions in oil revenue every year, but the population remains poor. Mr. Bongo has been accused of enriching himself and his family by selling influence to foreign interests. He has used the police and the courts to prosecute his political opponents. He has even used riots and violent gangs to intimidate voters who don’t support him.
I know what you’re thinking — thank God I live in the land of the free and home of the brave — nothing like that could ever happen here. Gosh, those poor third-world people sure have screwed up politics, don’t they? Lordy.
Where was I? Oh, yes.