Equatorial Guinea: the Baliverns of Obiang Nguema Mbasogo,

Despite being the oldest country in governance (43 years), his actions still say less. As he and his government prepare for the legislative and presidential elections scheduled for 20 November, this small central African country is accusing Spain, France and the United States of “interference” in the preparation of their elections. After imprisoning the entire opposition movements in the country and allowing only two (opponents) to present candidates in the upcoming elections, Equatorial Guinea believes that these three countries (France, the United States and Spain) have sent diplomats to a campaign meeting of one of the only two authorized opposition movements.

According to photos, released by the government Spanish, French and American diplomats attended (by invitation as for all embassies in Malabo says this movement) the meeting of the Convergence for Social Democracy (CPDS), the only opposition party that is not banned in Equatorial Guinea.

To remind that , the campaign for the presidential, legislative, senatorial and municipal elections was officially opened on Thursday 3 November in this small state on the Gulf of Guinea rich in hydrocarbons. A state where the President confuses the presidency with a royal palace.

Teodoro Obiang was re-elected in 2016 with 93.7% of the vote (an election that was controversial to say the least by democratic standards). He will have only two challengers on 20 November: Andrès Esono Ondo, of the CPDS, and Buenaventura Monsuy Asumu, candidate of the Social Democratic Coalition Party (PCSD), allied to the PDGE in previous elections.

Last Thursday, in a tweet by State Department spokesman Ned Price, Washington, “concerned about reports of arrests and harassment of members of the opposition and civil society,” urged Malabo to hold “free and fair elections” and encouraged the government to “promote a more inclusive, peaceful, and democratic society by allowing the expression of diverse political views.

President Obiang holds the world record for longevity in power for a living head of state (excluding monarchies) and is seeking a sixth term at 80. The PDGE holds 99 of the 100 seats in the outgoing National Assembly and all 55 in the Senate. About 428,000 voters are registered for 20 November out of a population of 1.4 million.