Brice Oligui Nguema Elected President of Gabon with Over 90% of Votes

Brice Oligui Nguema won Gabon’s presidential election with 90.35% of the vote, according to provisional results. His main opponent, Alain Claude Bilie By Nze, received only 3.02%. Nguema, who led a coup in August 2023, aims to diversify Gabon’s economy, which is heavily reliant on oil. Voter turnout was reported at 70.40%.

Brice Oligui Nguema has been elected as President of Gabon with 90.35% of the vote in the recent presidential election. The results were announced by the interior minister on Sunday following the election that took place after Nguema led a coup in August 2023. This election solidifies Nguema’s authority, coming 19 months after the coup that ended over 50 years of the Bongo family’s rule in the country.

Alain Claude Bilie By Nze, Nguema’s main challenger and former prime minister under Ali Bongo, garnered only 3.02% of the votes. Nze, aged 57, was one of eight candidates in the race. Nguema campaigned under the slogan “We Build Together,” presented himself as an agent of change, and pledged to address corruption within the administration.

In his campaign, Nguema proposed diversifying Gabon’s economy, which heavily relies on oil, by promoting agriculture, industry, and tourism. Currently, about one-third of the Gabonese population lives in poverty. Voter turnout for this election reached 70.40%, significantly higher than the 56.65% turnout in the August 2023 election that led to the coup, where Bongo was declared the winner amid allegations of fraud.

Brice Oligui Nguema has successfully secured the presidency of Gabon with a decisive 90.35% of the votes, strengthening his position following the August 2023 coup. His primary opponent, Alain Claude Bilie By Nze, received only 3.02% of the votes. Nguema aims to reform the economy and alleviate poverty, highlighting a notable increase in voter participation compared to the last election.

Original Source: www.usnews.com