Gabonese voters went to the polls on Saturday in a pivotal presidential election that could cement the power of interim leader Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who seized control in a 2023 military coup that ended over five decades of Bongo family rule. The vote marks the first national election since the ouster of President Ali Bongo Ondimba, whose family had dominated the Central African oil-rich nation since 1967. Oligui Nguema, 50, a former head of the Republican Guard, is widely expected to win the presidency after running a campaign under the banner “We Build Together.” His main opponent is Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, Bongo’s former prime minister, who has positioned himself as a reformist challenging both the old regime and the military’s grip on power.
Approximately 920,000 registered voters, including 28,000 abroad, cast their ballots at over 3,000 polling stations, choosing among eight presidential candidates. The election follows the adoption of a new constitution last November, which extended presidential terms to seven years, renewable once, and barred family succession, effectively preventing another political dynasty. The post of prime minister has also been eliminated. Despite Gabon’s vast oil wealth, about one-third of its 2.3 million people live in poverty. The country has remained relatively stable compared to neighboring nations but has long been marred by elite corruption and weak democratic institutions.
The 2023 coup was met with mixed reactions. Ali Bongo was briefly placed under house arrest before being released due to health concerns. His wife and son, however, were arrested and charged with embezzlement and corruption. While Oligui Nguema pledged a return to civilian rule, critics argue that reforms have stalled and accuse the junta of enriching itself rather than transforming institutions. Bilie-By-Nze, who describes himself as an advocate for “political, diplomatic, and economic independence”, has called for a reassessment of Gabon’s ties with France, which maintains over 300 troops in the country. In contrast, Oligui Nguema has maintained a pro-French stance, making Gabon one of the few West and Central African nations where France’s military presence is still welcomed.
As voting proceeded peacefully in the capital Libreville, citizens expressed divergent views on the military’s role in governance. Jonas Obiang, a voter in the Damas district, criticized Oligui Nguema for continuing the legacy of the Bongo regime: “He governs with the same people who looted the country.” Another voter, Antoine Nkili, voiced frustration at unmet reform promises: “The military said they’d change things. They didn’t.” Others expressed optimism. Jean Bie, a 57-year-old construction worker, said: “In just 19 months, General Oligui has completed projects the previous regime failed to deliver. I trust he’ll do more.”
While authorities claim the vote will be free and transparent, opposition figures allege widespread electoral manipulation. “Everything has been done to lock down the vote,” said Bilie-By-Nze. Oligui’s campaign spokeswoman, Laurence Ndong, denied the allegations, asserting this would be “the first truly democratic election in Gabon’s history.” Final results are expected in the coming days and will determine whether Gabon embarks on a new democratic chapter or continues under military-influenced rule.
