Coup Leader Aims for Victory in Gabon's First Election Since Military Takeover

Gabonese citizens are casting their votes in a landmark presidential election, marking the first time in decades that no member of the Bongo family appears on the ballot. This significant shift follows the ousting of former President Ali Bongo Ondimba 19 months ago in a military coup led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, who now seeks legitimacy through the ballot box.

General Oligui, who assumed power after toppling Bongo in August 2023, has since restructured the country’s political landscape. He introduced a new constitution and amended electoral laws—changes that have paved the way for his own candidacy in the election scheduled for Saturday. Critics argue these reforms have been tailored to benefit him, despite his earlier pledge to return the nation to civilian rule.

Eight candidates are officially in the running, including Gninga Chaning Zenaba, the only woman contesting the presidency. Among the prominent contenders are former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-by-Nze—who served under Bongo—and former ruling PDG party members Stéphane Germain Iloko and Alain Simplice Boungouères. However, notable opposition figure Albert Ondo Ossa was disqualified due to a newly imposed upper age limit, a move many view as a strategic exclusion.

Results from the election could begin to emerge on Sunday, although vote counting may extend into the following week. Nearly one million voters, including members of the diaspora, are expected to participate in the polls in this oil- and timber-rich Central African nation of 2.5 million people. Despite Gabon’s natural wealth, about 35% of the population lives on less than $2 a day.

During the two-week campaign period, candidates focused much of their outreach on rural regions. In contrast, campaign activity in the capital, Libreville, was more subdued. Nevertheless, the capital’s streets are blanketed with posters and billboards supporting Oligui Nguema, with very little visibility for his opponents.

Among Oligui’s supporters is taxi driver Landry Obame-Mezui, who displayed campaign messages on his vehicle reading, "I will vote for the builder Oligui Nguema." He praised the junta leader’s hands-on approach, saying, “He came in with a new way of doing things – action before speeches.”

However, critics argue that Oligui has overseen an uneven transitional process and has undermined the fairness of the electoral playing field. Opponent Bilie-by-Nze, considered one of Oligui’s main challengers, derided the general's political ambitions, saying he should “go back to the barracks.” Despite his calls for reform, Bilie-by-Nze’s ties to the former regime have sparked skepticism among voters.

Gabonese citizens, weary of 55 years of Bongo family rule, are eager for change. Many voters have expressed hopes for a government free of corruption, nepotism, and mismanagement.

"Our expectation is to have a new Gabon that is well-governed, well-managed, where there is social justice, equity, and equal chances," said voter Noel Kounta. Pharmacist Shonnys Akoulatele, 30, echoed those sentiments, calling on the next president to prioritize job creation and address rampant unemployment.

Polling stations are scheduled to close at 18:00 local time (17:00 GMT) on Saturday.