People are heading to polls to elect the next president of Gabon, and for decades, members of the Bongo family have not been on the voting.
Former President Ali Bongo was forced 19 months ago by coup planner Brice Oligui Nguema, who changed the constitution to allow him to participate in Saturday's elections.
There are eight candidates running for president, with only one woman in the competition – Gninga Chaning Zenaba.
Other presidential challengers include former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-by-Nze, who served under the Bongo regime, as well as two staunch figures in the former ruling PDG party, Stéphane Germain Iloko and Alan Simple Boungouères.
The election results may begin to be announced on Sunday, but officials can continue to follow next week.
Nearly one million people are expected to vote in Gabon and its expatriates.
Small Central African countries, rich in oil and wood, have homes of only 2.5 million people. Despite the resources, about 35% of the population remains below the poverty line of $2 (£1.50) per day.
During the two-week campaign, most candidates prioritized deliberations within the Home Office, with rallies in the capital Libreville being restricted.
However, Oligui Nguema's large number of posters and billboards occupy the streets of Libreville, and his competitors have few advertisements.
“I will vote for builder Oligui Nguema,” read a campaign message in the car of taxi driver Landry Obame-Mezui, who likes Junta’s leader because he “takes a new way of doing things – taking action before speaking.”
But critics of Oligui Nguema say he presided over an unfair transition and election process that, despite his commitment to hand over power to civilians, aims to promote a new constitution and election law.
An age cap was also introduced, which made Oligui Nguema's most popular opposition rival, Albert Ondo Ossa, fail.
Going back to the barracks is Jibe, who is seen as Oligui Nguema's closest rival, Bilie-By-by-nze. He believes he is a change the country needs, but his close relationship with the ousted regime still attracts criticism from some.
After 55 consecutive years led by President Omar Bongo and his son Ali Bongo, the people of Gabones told the BBC that all they wanted was to end the embezzlement, nepotism, religion and unemployment they had endured.
“Our expectation is to have a new Gabon that has passed through a good, well-managed place with social justice, fairness and equal opportunities,” said Noel Kounta, a registered voter. “We want a developed and prosperous Gabon.”
“I want to [next] The president will focus more on work,” said Shonnys Akoulatele, 30, who also said she has underpaid in her current career.
“The unemployment rate is so high that they should at least show some compassion for this issue, especially in the private sector.”
The poll is scheduled to close on Saturday at 18:00 local time (17:00 GMT).
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