Voters in Gabon are heading to the polls on Saturday for a presidential election that is widely expected to confirm General Brice Oligui Nguema as the country’s new civilian leader, nearly a year after he seized power in a military coup.
Oligui, who led the August 30, 2023 coup in the oil-rich West African state, is considered the front-runner in the race, according to recent opinion polls. His takeover ended more than half a century of rule by the Bongo family dynasty, which has been accused of siphoning off the nation’s vast resources for personal gain.
The general assumed the role of transitional president following the coup, assembling a government that includes civilian figures and initiating a process to draft a new constitution.
Gabon, a country of approximately 2.3 million people, continues to face significant challenges, including widespread unemployment, persistent power and water cuts, and a mounting public debt.
As he launched his campaign, Oligui exchanged his military fatigues for civilian attire in a bid to secure a seven-year term in office. He is facing seven other candidates, including his main rival Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, who served as prime minister under ousted president Ali Bongo.
Around 920,000 voters are expected to cast their ballots between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm local time (0600 to 1700 GMT), with final results anticipated on Monday.
Addressing supporters at his final campaign rally in the capital Libreville on Thursday, Oligui declared: “The builder is here, the special candidate, the one you called,” as crowds danced and music played.
Oligui has said he expects a “historic victory” in the vote.
Bilie By Nze, meanwhile, has positioned himself as the candidate for a “complete rupture” with the past. He has accused Oligui — who previously headed the powerful Republican Guard under Ali Bongo — of merely representing continuity under a new guise.
In a November referendum on the new constitution, official figures recorded a voter turnout of 54.2 percent, with the measure passing by an overwhelming 91.6 percent “yes” vote.
