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Gabon’s President Bongo sworn in after disputed election

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People attending Gabon\'s President Ali Bongo Ondimba, ceremony, before he is sworn in for a second term in Libreville. Gabon, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016 Gabon\'s President Ali Bongo Ondimba has been sworn in for a second seven-year term, extending a family dynasty in place for decades after a disputed vote saw his re-election by a slim margin.(AP Photo/Jeremi Mba)

LIBREVILLE, Gabon – Gabon’s President Ali Bongo Ondimba has been sworn in for a second seven-year term keeping his family’s dynasty in place for decades after winning re-election by a slim margin in a disputed vote.

Bongo on Tuesday vowed to defend the constitution and to be fair to all. He called for political dialogue with the opposition. But opposition candidate Jean Ping has rejected dialogue, accusing Bongo’s ruling party of vote-rigging.

Gabon’s constitutional Court on Saturday ruled that Bongo won the Aug. 27 vote despite concerns raised by the opposition and international observers. It said Bongo won 50.66 per cent of the vote while Ping got 47.24 per cent. Ping said Saturday he would not back down.

Fiery protests and violence erupted in the oil-rich country after provisional results were announced Aug. 31.

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