Gabon’s military leader, General Brice Oligui Nguema, has cemented his authority with a sweeping victory in the country’s presidential election, securing over 90% of the votes, according to provisional results. This milestone comes nearly two years after Oligui orchestrated a dramatic coup that ended the Bongo family’s nearly six-decade rule over the resource-rich central African nation.
Critics had raised concerns prior to the election, arguing that the new constitution and electoral code favoured Oligui Nguema’s candidacy. Opposition figures who might have posed a significant challenge were notably excluded from the race, further consolidating his path to power.
At 50 years old, Oligui Nguema emerged victorious against seven contenders, including former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-by-Nze, who served under the Bongo administration, and two prominent figures from the former ruling Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), Stéphane Germain Iloko and Alain Simplice Boungouères. The official results were announced by Interior Minister Hermann Immongault, who stated, “Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema is elected [president] by absolute majority of votes cast,575,222 votes.”
Bilie-by-Nze, his closest rival, garnered just over 3% of the votes, highlighting Oligui’s overwhelming dominance in the race. Voter turnout exceeded 70%, with authorities and some observers praising the election as peaceful and transparent. However, there were reports of irregularities, including delayed voting, at some polling stations and voters struggling to locate their assigned polling centers. Bilie-by-Nze also voiced concerns about the security of unmarked ballot papers, alleging they could have been used to manipulate the results.
With his seven-year mandate secured, Oligui Nguema has pledged to address the pressing issues of corruption and mismanagement that plagued Gabon under the Bongo dynasty His leadership has resonated with citizens eager to see an end to decades of dynastic rule and to reclaim Gabon’s global reputation.
Despite its abundant oil and timber resources, Gabon’s 2.5 million people face significant economic challenges, with approximately 35% of the population living below the poverty line of $2 per day. Oligui, a former commander of the elite Republican Guard and a highly articulate leader, has positioned himself as a reformer. He has promised to implement policies aimed at lifting the nation out of poverty and leveraging its wealth to improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
As Gabon enters this new chapter under Oligui’s presidency, the nation’s future hinges on his ability to deliver on his promises and lead the country toward a more prosperous and equitable era.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
