Equatorial Guinea: Ruling PDGE party wins elections November 17 /update 2

Event

On Friday, November 17, the Equatorial Guinean Electoral Commission declared the country's ruling Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE) the winner of legislative, municipal, and senatorial elections held in the country on November 12. The PDGE, led by President Teodoro Obiang, won every seat in the Senate, control of all local town councils in the country, and all but one seat in the Chamber of Deputies. The opposition Convergence for Social Democracy (CPDS) party won the remaining Chamber of Deputies seat and, following the November 12 vote, claimed that there were multiple incidents of fraud during the elections.

Unrest is possible in the coming days on the mainland (Río Muni​) and on Bioko Island following the elections results announcement. Heightened security measures, and consequent traffic disruptions, are also possible in the coming days.

Context

Opposition party members claimed that clashes took place between opposition activists and police in advance of the elections, resulting in injuries and arrests, including in Aconibe, where police reportedly interfered with a caravan of opposition officials traveling to a meeting on November 5. Internet censorship of opposition networking sites was also reported in advance of the vote; the Equatorial Guinean government has blocked Facebook since October 27, the start of this year's election campaign period, and opposition websites since 2013.

In the 2013 legislative and parliamentary elections, the ruling PDGE party won 69 out of 70 seats in the senate and 99 out of 100 seats in the Chamber of People's Representatives.

Advice

Individuals present in Equatorial Guinea are advised to avoid large gatherings and demonstrations due to the latent potential for violence, and to abide by instructions issued by authorities.

On a separate note, many Western governments recommend maintaining vigilance at all times in the country due to relatively high crime rates in urban areas, including in the capital Malabo. Individuals present in the country should maintain a low profile as criminals may target foreigners due to their perceived affluence, be particularly vigilant after dusk, and avoid traveling by foot after nightfall. Criminals may be armed; do not resist if confronted, and do not look your attacker(s) directly in the eye. Drive with windows closed, doors locked, and all personal possessions stored out of sight.