LIBREVILLE, Gabon -- Gabon's president says an opposition leader and former presidential candidate has died. Pierre Mamboundou was 65.

In a statement read Monday on state radio, President Ali Bongo called Mamboundou "a patriot." The statement read by the president's spokesman said the death represents "a huge loss for Gabon."

Party official Thomas Ibinga said that according to Mamboundou's family he died of a heart attack. He ran several times for the presidency of the coastal African nation, most recently placing second in 2009. He repeatedly alleged vote-rigging in the contests.

Mamboundou was the vanguard of the opposition for 20 years. He was once exiled to Senegal after longtime ruler Omar Bongo, who was the current president's father and who held power for more than 41 years, accused him of plotting a coup. -- AP

On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Michael Sicoli talks about the top guards in boys basketball on Long Island, plus Jared Valluzzi on the Suffolk hockey finals, a look at Long Beach wrestler Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez and the plays of the week. Credit: Newsday

Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 22: Top guards, hockey champs and more On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Michael Sicoli talks about the top guards in boys basketball on Long Island, plus Jared Valluzzi on the Suffolk hockey finals, a look at Long Beach wrestler Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez and the plays of the week.

On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Michael Sicoli talks about the top guards in boys basketball on Long Island, plus Jared Valluzzi on the Suffolk hockey finals, a look at Long Beach wrestler Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez and the plays of the week. Credit: Newsday

Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 22: Top guards, hockey champs and more On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Michael Sicoli talks about the top guards in boys basketball on Long Island, plus Jared Valluzzi on the Suffolk hockey finals, a look at Long Beach wrestler Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez and the plays of the week.

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