In a significant shift for Gabon, military leader Gen Brice Oligui Nguema has decisively won the presidential election, marking a transformative moment in the country's political landscape.
Gabon’s New Era: Coup Leader Nguema Claims Election Landslide
Gabon’s New Era: Coup Leader Nguema Claims Election Landslide
Gen Brice Oligui Nguema, who ousted Gabon's longstanding dynasty, secures over 90% of the vote in a historic election.
The military leader, who instigated a coup that ended a political dynasty in 2023, successfully garnered more than 90% of the vote in Saturday's elections. His victory was announced by Interior Minister Hermann Immongault, who revealed that Nguema, 50, received 575,222 votes, solidifying his authority in the nation, which experienced a 60-year reign under the Bongo family.
Despite facing seven contenders for the presidency, including former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-by-Nze, Nguema's path to the election was met with criticisms regarding potential unfair advantages stemming from a newly crafted constitution and electoral code. Several notable opposition figures were excluded from the electoral process, prompting dissent although the authorities reported a voter turnout of over 70%.
While transparency in the vote was praised, there were allegations of irregularities from Bilie-by-Nze and his supporters. Now equipped with a seven-year mandate, Nguema aims to tackle the corruption and governance challenges rooted in the previous regime, as a majority of Gabonese citizens expressed their hope for reform and relief from dynastic favoritism.
Gabon, a nation rich in oil and timber, still struggles with poverty, as approximately 35% of its 2.5 million people live on less than $2 a day. As Nguema assumes leadership, the focus will be on addressing these critical socio-economic issues while rebuilding a nation eager for democratic progress.
Despite facing seven contenders for the presidency, including former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-by-Nze, Nguema's path to the election was met with criticisms regarding potential unfair advantages stemming from a newly crafted constitution and electoral code. Several notable opposition figures were excluded from the electoral process, prompting dissent although the authorities reported a voter turnout of over 70%.
While transparency in the vote was praised, there were allegations of irregularities from Bilie-by-Nze and his supporters. Now equipped with a seven-year mandate, Nguema aims to tackle the corruption and governance challenges rooted in the previous regime, as a majority of Gabonese citizens expressed their hope for reform and relief from dynastic favoritism.
Gabon, a nation rich in oil and timber, still struggles with poverty, as approximately 35% of its 2.5 million people live on less than $2 a day. As Nguema assumes leadership, the focus will be on addressing these critical socio-economic issues while rebuilding a nation eager for democratic progress.
