Gabon’s transitional leader, General Brice Oligui Nguema, has officially
emerged victorious in the country's presidential election, securing more than
90 percent of the total votes cast, according to provisional results announced
by the electoral commission. The win marks a significant consolidation of power
for the military figure who led the 2023 coup that ended decades of rule by the
Bongo family.
Saturday’s election saw General Oligui Nguema facing seven other candidates,
including notable political figures like former Prime Minister Alain Claude
Bilie-by-Nze and former members of the previously dominant Gabonese Democratic
Party. However, the outcome was a landslide, with the interior minister
confirming that Oligui secured 575,222 votes, while his closest rival,
Bilie-by-Nze, garnered just over 3 percent.
The new constitution and electoral code, introduced after the 2023 military
takeover, have been met with criticism by sections of the political opposition
who claim they favor the current leadership. Key opposition candidates were
disqualified from participating, raising concerns about inclusivity and
fairness in the electoral process.
Despite these concerns, voter turnout exceeded 70 percent, and authorities
described the election as generally peaceful. Some irregularities were
reported, including delayed openings at polling centers and difficulties some
voters faced in locating their designated voting stations. There were also
claims regarding the handling and security of unmarked ballots in a few areas.
The military ruler’s popularity among citizens remains strong, largely due
to his promises to end corruption and restore good governance. Many Gabonese
expressed relief at the end of a long-standing political dynasty and looked to
Oligui to lead the country into a new era of reform and transparency.
His election grants him a seven-year term to address the pressing challenges
facing Gabon. Despite the country’s vast natural resources, including oil and
timber, a significant portion of the population still lives in poverty, with
about 35 percent surviving on less than two dollars per day.
As the new president, Oligui Nguema is expected to act swiftly to tackle the
legacy of mismanagement and economic imbalance. The expectations are high from
a population eager for change after decades under single-family rule.
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