Gabonese citizens are casting their votes to elect a new president in the country’s first national poll since the military seized power nearly two years ago. For the first time in over five decades, the influential Bongo family is absent from the ballot.
General Brice Oligui Nguema, who led the 2023 coup that removed President Ali Bongo from power, is now contesting the presidency after amending the constitution to permit his candidacy. Eight candidates are competing in the race, with only one woman—Gninga Chaning Zenaba—among them.
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Other contenders include former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-by-Nze, as well as two members of the former ruling party, Stéphane Germain Iloko and Alain Simplice Boungouères. Election results may begin to emerge on Sunday, although counting could extend into the following week. An estimated one million people are eligible to vote both within Gabon and abroad.
The Central African country, known for its oil and timber wealth, has a population of just 2.5 million. Yet despite its resources, about 35% of citizens live below the poverty line.
Throughout the brief campaign period, candidates focused primarily on reaching rural voters, while campaign activity in the capital, Libreville, remained subdued. However, the city is heavily covered with campaign materials for Oligui Nguema, whose supporters praise his leadership style as action-oriented.
Critics argue that the transition has been manipulated in his favor. A revised electoral code and a new constitution have raised concerns about fairness, particularly since one of his most popular rivals, Albert Ondo Ossa, was disqualified due to a new age limit.
Bilie-by-Nze, viewed as Oligui Nguema’s strongest opponent, has tried to position himself as the face of change, though his ties to the previous regime continue to raise doubts.
Many Gabonese voters have expressed hope that the election will mark a turning point from years of mismanagement, corruption, and widespread unemployment.
“We want a Gabon that is fair, just, and offers equal opportunities,” said voter Noel Kounta. Others, like 30-year-old pharmacist Shonnys Akoulatele, voiced concerns about economic struggles, calling for more attention to job creation and better working conditions.
Polling stations are scheduled to close at 6:00 p.m. local time on Saturday.
