Gabon Presidential Election: Junta Chief Likely to Secure Leadership

Gabonese voters participated in a presidential election on Saturday, expected to favor junta chief Brice Oligui Nguema as the country’s first elected leader since his 2023 coup. Opinion polls suggest Oligui is confident of success amid high voter turnout and pressing economic challenges. Final results are awaited to determine his victory against seven rivals.

On Saturday, Gabonese citizens participated in a presidential election anticipated to result in Brice Oligui Nguema, the junta chief, becoming the first elected leader following the 2023 coup. Oligui, who led the coup that overthrew a 55-year Bongo dynasty, expressed confidence as he cast his vote with first lady Zita in Libreville, where he is favored by opinion polls.

Voter turnout was notable, with the Gabonese Ministry of the Interior reporting an 87.12 percent participation rate by 6:00 PM, amidst high unemployment and infrastructural challenges in the nation of 2.3 million people. Despite numerous initiatives, only 20 percent of Gabon’s road network is usable, and youth unemployment exceeds 60 percent in rural areas, raising concerns about the country’s economic conditions.

Oligui is campaigning for a seven-year term against seven rivals, including former Prime Minister Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze. Following the election, with approximately 920,000 eligible voters, Oligui has predicted a “historic victory,” although critics challenge his ability to move beyond past exploitation of Gabon’s resources under the previous administration.

As Oligui’s campaign continued, his image dominated Libreville’s landscape, overshadowing that of his opponents. The final results of the election are anticipated today, which will determine if Oligui indeed secures the presidency.

In summary, the Gabonese presidential election stands as a pivotal moment following the 2023 coup, with Brice Oligui Nguema positioned as a strong contender. High voter turnout amidst pressing economic issues highlights the citizens’ aspirations for change, while Oligui’s campaign is marked by significant visibility and confidence. The election results will ultimately reveal if Oligui will fulfill his promise of a historic victory and lead Gabon into a new governance era.

Original Source: www.taipeitimes.com