Gabon’s Former Prime Minister Critiques Election Results Post-Coup

In Gabon’s first presidential election post-2023 coup, former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze criticized the process as unfree and opaque. He received only 3% of votes against Oligui Nguema’s landslide victory of 90.35%. This election is critical for Gabon’s population of 2.3 million, amidst ongoing socio-economic challenges.

In Gabon’s recent presidential election, former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze expressed dissatisfaction with the results, deeming them opaque and unjust. In a press statement, he stated, “What we experienced on Saturday, April 12 was not a free election.” He condemned the alleged misuse of state resources during the electoral process, claiming, “Never, since entering politics, have I witnessed such a hijacking of all State resources.”

Bilie-By-Nze faced overwhelming defeat against Oligui Nguema, who secured a remarkable 90.35% of the total votes, while Bilie-By-Nze garnered merely 3%. This election, the first following the military coup in 2023, was critical for Gabon’s populace of 2.3 million, with a significant portion living in poverty despite the country’s oil wealth.

Nguema, who orchestrated a bloodless coup in August 2023, aims to establish a firm grip on power during his seven-year term, succeeding the 55-year rule of President Ali Bongo Ondimba. Having served briefly as Prime Minister under Bongo, Bilie-By-Nze expressed his willingness to remain active in the political arena and wished the new administration luck in its governance efforts.

In conclusion, the recent presidential election in Gabon highlighted significant concerns regarding electoral integrity as expressed by the losing candidate, Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze. With Oligui Nguema’s overwhelming victory following a military coup, the political landscape is in flux. Gabon’s future governance will likely face scrutiny as the nation grapples with socioeconomic challenges despite its oil-rich status.

Original Source: www.wral.com