General Brice Oligui Nguema, the military leader who led the 2023 coup in Gabon that ended nearly six decades of dynastic rule, has won the country’s presidential election with over 90% of the vote, according to provisional results announced by the electoral commission.
The victory cements Oligui Nguema’s position at the helm of the oil-rich Central African nation, almost two years after he orchestrated the ousting of President Ali Bongo, whose family had governed Gabon since 1967.
Critics had expressed concern ahead of the election, pointing out that the newly adopted constitution and revised electoral code appeared tailored to ensure his easy path to power. Several major opposition figures were barred from participating, leaving Oligui Nguema with a field of less formidable rivals.
The 50-year-old leader faced seven other candidates, including former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-by-Nze, a key figure in the previous administration, and two veteran members of the former ruling Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), Stéphane Germain Iloko and Alain Simplice Boungouères.
Interior Minister Hermann Immongault confirmed the result, stating, “Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema is elected president by absolute majority with 575,222 votes.” Bilie-by-Nze, his nearest competitor, secured just over 3% of the vote.
Voter turnout exceeded 70%, with officials and some observers describing the election as peaceful and transparent. However, reports of logistical irregularities emerged, including delayed voting at certain polling stations and confusion among voters trying to locate their designated stations. There were also concerns about the security of unmarked ballot papers, raising fears of possible vote tampering.
Oligui Nguema now begins a seven-year term, with a clear mandate to address the deep-rooted corruption and mismanagement that plagued previous administrations. Once commander of the powerful Republican Guard, he has garnered strong public support, particularly from citizens eager for an end to Gabon’s long-standing dynastic leadership.
Despite Gabon’s abundant oil and timber wealth, around 35% of its 2.5 million citizens live on less than $2 a day. Oligui Nguema’s administration is expected to face mounting pressure to deliver meaningful reforms and improve living conditions for the country’s population.
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