Gabon is holding its first presidential election since the military coup that ousted Ali Bongo, with Gen Brice Oligui Nguema among the candidates seeking to solidify his power.
Coup Leader Aims for Presidential Victory in Gabon's Historic Election
Coup Leader Aims for Presidential Victory in Gabon's Historic Election
Gabon votes in a pivotal election marking the absence of a Bongo family member on the ballot
Gabon is approaching a historic moment as nearly one million registered voters prepare to choose their next president. This election, taking place on Saturday, is notable for the absence of any Bongo family member on the ballot for the first time in decades, following the military coup led by Gen Brice Oligui Nguema that removed former President Ali Bongo from power 19 months ago.
Changes to the constitution have allowed Nguema to run in this election, and competition includes eight candidates, featuring only one woman, Gninga Chaning Zenaba. Prominent figures in the race include former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-by-Nze and two members of the former ruling PDG party, Stéphane Germain Iloko and Alain Simplice Boungouères. While results are expected to start being announced on Sunday, the counting process could extend into the following week.
The oil and timber-rich country, home to roughly 2.5 million people, sees about 35% of its population living under the poverty line of just $2 a day. During the two-week campaign, many candidates have focused on reaching voters outside the capital, Libreville, where Nguema's campaign visibility has far outshone his opponents.
With slogans like "I will vote for the builder Oligui Nguema," supporters praise the junta leader for his decisive actions compared to prior governments. However, critics claim Nguema has manipulated the electoral process to benefit himself, enforcing a new constitution and electoral code that some see as an attempt to limit the competition, including an age restriction that disqualified one of his main rivals, Albert Ondo Ossa.
As discontent with decades of mismanagement and corruption under the Bongo regime persists, many Gabonese citizens express their desire for change. Registered voter Noel Kounta highlighted the need for a government focused on social justice and equity, while pharmacist Shonnys Akoulatele called for immediate attention to the high unemployment rate affecting the nation. Polls will close at 18:00 local time (17:00 GMT) on Saturday, as Gabon enters a pivotal chapter in its political history.
Changes to the constitution have allowed Nguema to run in this election, and competition includes eight candidates, featuring only one woman, Gninga Chaning Zenaba. Prominent figures in the race include former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-by-Nze and two members of the former ruling PDG party, Stéphane Germain Iloko and Alain Simplice Boungouères. While results are expected to start being announced on Sunday, the counting process could extend into the following week.
The oil and timber-rich country, home to roughly 2.5 million people, sees about 35% of its population living under the poverty line of just $2 a day. During the two-week campaign, many candidates have focused on reaching voters outside the capital, Libreville, where Nguema's campaign visibility has far outshone his opponents.
With slogans like "I will vote for the builder Oligui Nguema," supporters praise the junta leader for his decisive actions compared to prior governments. However, critics claim Nguema has manipulated the electoral process to benefit himself, enforcing a new constitution and electoral code that some see as an attempt to limit the competition, including an age restriction that disqualified one of his main rivals, Albert Ondo Ossa.
As discontent with decades of mismanagement and corruption under the Bongo regime persists, many Gabonese citizens express their desire for change. Registered voter Noel Kounta highlighted the need for a government focused on social justice and equity, while pharmacist Shonnys Akoulatele called for immediate attention to the high unemployment rate affecting the nation. Polls will close at 18:00 local time (17:00 GMT) on Saturday, as Gabon enters a pivotal chapter in its political history.
