Tension mounts as Gabon awaits results of presidential vote

LIBREVILLE, Gabon – Security forces fanned out across Gabon's capital and residents stockpiled food on Tuesday as the central African country awaited results of a hotly contested presidential election.

The most prominent opposition candidate, Jean Ping, was looking to defeat incumbent President Ali Bongo Ondimba and topple a family dynasty that stretches back to the 1960s. Bongo, 57, came to power after the death of his father, Omar Bongo, who ruled Gabon for more than 40 years.

Ping, 73, has spent the three days since Saturday's vote predicting victory and calling on Bongo to step down. Bongo's camp, meanwhile, has said the president is sure to win. Each side has accused the other of fraud.

Bongo's win in 2009 sparked looting and clashes between protesters and security forces.