Gabonese Voters Elect New President After 2023 Military Coup

Gabonese voters participated in a decisive presidential election, the first since the 2023 military coup. Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema aims to legitimize his rule against main challenger Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze. Concerns regarding election transparency were voiced, while opinions among voters varied regarding the military government’s impact. The election outcome will significantly influence Gabon’s political trajectory.

On Saturday, voters in Gabon participated in a pivotal presidential election, the first since the military coup in 2023, which displaced a political dynasty spanning over five decades. The military’s interim president, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, seeks to legitimize his rule through this election. Approximately 920,000 eligible voters, alongside over 28,000 residing overseas, were registered across more than 3,000 polling stations amidst significant economic challenges, as one-third of the population lives in poverty despite the nation’s oil wealth.

Gen. Oligui Nguema, who overthrew President Ali Bongo Ondimba nearly two years ago, aims to secure a seven-year term. Following the coup, Bongo, while initially placed under house arrest, was released due to health issues, though his family has faced corruption charges. Oligui Nguema has committed to transitioning power back to civilians, promoting credibility in the electoral process and espousing unity through his campaign slogan: “We Build Together.”

The election occurs under a newly enacted electoral code allowing military personnel to participate, alongside the recent constitutional amendments limiting presidential terms to seven years and forbidding familial succession. There are a total of eight presidential candidates, with Oligui Nguema’s principal opponent being Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, Bongo’s former prime minister, who advocates for economic reforms and reducing ties with France, the former colonial power.

Bilie-By-Nze, however, expressed skepticism regarding the election’s fairness, claiming, “Everything has been done to lock down the vote.” In a geopolitical context, Gabon remains an ally of France, with over 300 French troops stationed there, although Bilie-By-Nze is open to renegotiating this relationship.

As voters cast their ballots, many expressed their opinions on the coup and the military’s governance. For instance, Jonas Obiang criticized Oligui Nguema’s regime for retaining former Bongo regime officials, stating, “General Oligui Nguema led the country with the same people who plundered the country.” In contrast, some voters, like Jean Bie, maintain that Oligui Nguema’s leadership has positively impacted public welfare, hoping for continued improvements over the next term.

The Gabonese presidential election marks a significant event in the nation’s political landscape following the 2023 military coup. General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema seeks to legitimize his leadership, while opposition figures, particularly Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, contest the fairness of the electoral process. The outcome of this election will undoubtedly shape Gabon’s future direction, reflecting the citizens’ diverse perspectives and aspirations in a changing political environment.

Original Source: www.news4jax.com