The following Press Statement was published by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of African Affairs on Aug. 25. It is reproduced in full below.

As Gabonese prepare to head to the polls tomorrow, the United States encourages the Gabonese people to exercise their right to vote and make their voices heard. Elections are a fundamental part of a functioning democracy, and all Gabonese deserve this chance to choose their future without fear of repression or intimidation. We affirm the importance of election observation and call on all actors to commit to free, fair, and peaceful elections.

Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of African Affairs