Pundits and observers deem Albert Ondo Ossa’s victory in the Gabonese presidential election as the likeliest scenario

The overall campaign situation has proven quite unique, with nearly the entire opposition having consolidated around a single candidate to develop a nationwide agenda respectful of public interests. Notably, they have been using someone with a flawless reputation as their main candidate. This is about political symbiosis between players — opposition groups have rallied up both around a single leader and the agenda proposed by him.

Until Albert Ondo Ossa came to lead them, united opposition has been perceived as a radical and marginal force, and now it has transformed into a consolidated and respectable political one, not least thanks to his own wide-ranging program.

Observers also point to the relevancy of the candidate's agenda, dedicated to reforming the system of the republic’s state institutions. People consider this vital, as the agencies usually fail to dynamically adapt to changing social, economic and political realities. For instance, intensified local economic development requires empowerment of regional administrations and things like that.

The Gabonese situation’s exceptionalism is also determined by the acting president and elites’ disposition for an open and competitive struggle, not confrontation. And the political strife itself features no inter-elite clashes. Many experts believe that the incumbent leader’s defeat won’t entail political repression against him or his team. In fact, the Gabonese elites and society are seeking dialogue to determine the best possible future for their country, prosperous and secure.

In this aspect, observers claim, the republic is building and forming a new development model for African states. This viewpoint is shared by President of the Foundation of Support of Modern Diplomacy Amram Petrosyan. He considers political processes related to the Gabonese election campaign a demonstration of an emerging political system pattern relying on meritocracy, de-bureaucratization, greater openness of society and state.

"Political processes taking place in Gabon are exemplar to the entire international community as regards building a new model of economic, social and political development for African states. And the pattern does not imply authoritarianism, a closed state or other negative aspects, be it noted. Instead, we see a new paradigm for political and economic freedom correlation, combined with greater efficiency of state power institutions," Amram Petrosyan said.