43 years not enough: World's longest-serving Prez, Teodoro Obiang of Equatorial Guinea, seeks re-election
The laws of the country also make sure that Obiang never gets out of power. (Photo: dailyO)
Equatorial Guinea is a tiny African country with a population of less than 1.5 million. Its President, the world's longest-serving leader, Teodoro Obiang, has won every single election in the last 43 years overwhelmingly getting more than 90% of votes. Now he is seeking a re-election to extend his tenure.
The voting started on Sunday (November 20).
Obiang, 80, appears to be a well-liked ruler. However, the human rights organisations have a different viewpoint.
But, how did he come to power? Obiang seized power from his uncle Francisco Macias Nguema, in a coup in 1979. Since then he has won five consecutive elections. Nguema, whose rule saw thousands of deaths and a mass exodus from Equatorial Guinea, was later executed.
How did he keep his office for this long? The country has a history of what experts call fraudulent elections. The laws of the country also make sure that Obiang never gets out of power.
- Opposition candidates have been withdrawing from polls citing fraud and irregularities.
- Obiang has survived several coup attempts too.
- Important political positions are held up by the family members of Obiang.
What is happening in Equatorial Guinea? According to the UN's Human Rights Watch, Equatorial Guinea is still afflicted by corruption, extreme poverty, and repression under President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
The small elite that surrounds the President enjoy extravagant lifestyle made possible by enormous oil earnings, but a sizable percentage of the populace continues to live in poverty.
Ironically, the 'Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea' is the party that Obiang leads.
What is the current situation? Elections are now taking place in the country with Obiang competing against two other candidates. Experts claim that it is very obvious who is going to win.
The two opposing candidates are Buenaventura Monsuy Asumu, who fought in the previous five elections, and Andrés Esono Ondo, an Opposition figure running for the first time.
According to a Canadian news channel, CP24, at a final campaign event in Mongomo, Equatorial Guinea, last week, the President shouted to the crowd: "Who's your papa?" He urged voters to keep him in power, warning of the risks of political upheaval.