France, April 11 -- Gabon stands at a political crossroads this weekend, as the nation heads to the polls for its first presidential election since the 2023 military coup - a vote that could mark a clean break from decades of dynastic rule, or entrench a familiar power under a new guise.

As voters prepare to cast their votes on Saturday, the final political rallies across the country this week set the tone for what could be a turning point for the country.

The transitional president and favourite to win, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, ended his campaign a day early with a high-energy double-header of in the capital Libreville on Thursday.

Buses rolled into Libreville bringing thousands of enthusiastic supporters, who thronged venues in ...