Gabonese voters went to the polls on Saturday in a closely watched presidential election, widely expected to usher in junta leader Brice Oligui Nguema as the country’s first elected president since his 2023 coup.
Oligui, who led the August 30, 2023 military takeover that ended 55 years of Bongo family rule, is the frontrunner among eight candidates. The Bongo dynasty, accused of siphoning the country’s oil wealth, was ousted after decades of authoritarian control.
Voter turnout appeared strong, with long lines forming at polling stations in the capital, Libreville. First-time voter Aurele Ossantanga Mouila, 30, said he had never trusted the previous regime.
Since the coup, Oligui has served as transitional president, forming a civilian-inclusive government tasked with drafting a new constitution. He is now seeking a seven-year term in what he’s calling a “historic” bid for democratic legitimacy.
Despite being oil-rich, Gabon struggles with widespread poverty, high unemployment, and crumbling infrastructure. Only 2,000 of the country’s 10,000 km of roads are considered usable, and youth unemployment in rural areas exceeds 60%.
Oligui, who has shed his military uniform for civilian attire on the campaign trail, faces seven challengers, including Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, a former prime minister under deposed President Ali Bongo. By Nze is positioning himself as a candidate of “total change,” accusing Oligui of merely continuing the old regime under a new face.
Although Oligui has promised to return power to civilians, critics say his strong ties to the Bongo era—having served as a close aide to both Omar and Ali Bongo—cast doubt on those claims. His campaign dominates the capital, with posters and slogans reading “C’BON” (a play on the French for “It’s good” and his initials), while opponents have struggled for visibility.
Polls opened at 7:00 a.m. local time and will close at 6:00 p.m., with about 920,000 registered voters expected to cast their ballots. Final results are anticipated on Monday. A runoff, if needed, is set for July 19.
Observers and citizens alike hope the election will restore constitutional order and avoid the violence that marred previous polls in 2009 and 2016, as well as the turmoil following last year’s coup.
“The people’s response at the ballot box is never predictable,” noted analyst Neyer Kenga, stressing the importance of transparency and democratic integrity.
Despite past unrest, she added, “Today, all Gabonese are firmly in favour of a democratic game that is played within the rules.”