Four Gabonese ministers have been sacked after opposing the candidacy of Ali-Ben Bongo, son of the ex-leader, in next month's presidential poll. Two are senior members of the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), which has selected Mr Bongo to replace his father Omar Bongo, who died last month. Casimir Oye Mba and Andre Mba Obame will run as independents after saying Mr Bongo was imposed on the party. Omar Bongo ruled Gabon from 1967 until his death. Two members of smaller parties have also been dropped as ministers after announcing that they would run against Mr Bongo. Mr Bongo has retained his position as defence minister until the 30 August election. Former Prime Minister Jean Eyeghe Ndong stepped down last week and also plans to run against Mr Bongo Analysts say Mr Bongo will be the strong favourite to succeed his father. Rights groups have expressed fears of a dynastic rule in the oil-rich nation. They have long accused the Bongo family of running the country as their private property. Omar Bongo amassed a vast fortune during his years in office - but most of the 1.4 million people in Gabon live in poverty. He maintained close economic and political links with former colonial power France, but French prosecutors launched an investigation into Mr Bongo's wealth in the months before his death. He was accused of embezzling oil revenues and bribery. Source: BBC