Brice Nguema, Gabon’s military leader who orchestrated the 2023 coup, has been elected president, winning over 90% of the vote in Saturday’s election.
Nguema, 50, led the transitional government after ending Ali Bongo’s rule in August 2023. He faced seven candidates, including former Prime Minister Alain Bilie-by-Nze, and two members of Bongo’s PDG party, Stéphane Iloko and Alain Boungouères.
Gabon’s Interior Minister, Hermann Immongault, announced the results, declaring:
“Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema is elected [president] by absolute majority of votes cast, with 575,222 votes.”
Nguema’s closest rival, Bilie-by-Nze, secured just over 3% of votes, highlighting low opposition.
Voter turnout reached 70.40%, a sharp increase from 56.65% in the 2023 election, which led to Bongo’s ousting.
Opposition Barred Amid Electoral Concerns
While the election solidifies Nguema’s grip on power, critics argue that opposition figures were prevented from contesting. Reports of irregularities emerged, including voting delays and difficulties in locating polling units.
Before the election, analysts had warned that constitutional amendments and electoral law changes favored Nguema’s candidacy.
Nguema’s rise marked the end of the Bongo family’s 56-year rule, which began in 1967 with Omar Bongo. He remained in power for 42 years, overseeing Gabon’s oil wealth and political institutions.
His son, Ali Bongo Ondimba, took over in 2009, amid allegations of electoral fraud and corruption. Despite protests, the dynasty held power until Nguema’s 2023 coup.
With his seven-year term secured, Nguema now faces governance challenges, including managing Gabon’s oil-rich economy and addressing concerns over electoral transparency.
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