The government of Gabon announced a nationwide curfew and internet blackout on Saturday citing security concerns, shortly after polls closed in the general election.
The country's Communications Minister Rodrigue Mboumba Bissawou was quoted by media as saying in a televised address that the measures were aimed to "prevent the spread of calls for violence… and false information."
The curfew will be in place from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting Sunday, the minister added.
The Central African nation went to the polls on Saturday to elect a new president and parliament. Current President Ali Bongo Ondimba is seeking a third seven-year term and is challenged by economist Albert Ondo Ossa and 17 other candidates.