Libreville: Gabonese voters are heading to the polls Saturday to elect a new president, the first since the 2023 bloodless military coup. The voting opened at 7 a.m. local time (0600GMT) and will close at 6 p.m. (1700GMT).
According to Anadolu Agency, slightly more than 900,000 voters are eligible to cast their ballots at 3,037 polling stations, as reported by the Interior Ministry. The election features eight candidates, including Zenaba Gninga Chaning, the only female contender. The two-week campaign period concluded on Friday in the nation, which has a population of roughly 2.5 million.
Interior Minister Hermann Immongault described the election as a critical step in restoring national institutions. Approximately 2,450 national and international observers from various organizations, such as the Economic Community of Central African States, the African Union, the Commonwealth, and the International Organization of La Francophonie, have been accredited to monitor the polls.
Transitional President Brice Ol
igui Nguema is widely expected to secure victory, with Alain Claude Bilie By Nze, the last prime minister under ousted President Ali Bongo, emerging as his main opponent. Both leading candidates have pledged to diversify Gabon’s economy by focusing on agriculture and tourism. Currently, the country depends heavily on exports of crude oil, timber, and manganese.
The UN chief’s special representative for Central Africa, Abdou Abarry, emphasized the need for a transparent and peaceful election. Nguema’s campaign, Rally of Builders, has garnered support from various political parties and associations. He has highlighted his achievements during the transition, including efforts to combat corruption and develop infrastructure.
On the other hand, Nze presents himself as the candidate for transforming Gabon’s economy and society, campaigning under his movement, Together for Gabon, to distance himself from the former ruling Bongo family. If no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote, a runoff election will be he
ld between the top two contenders.
The new constitution, adopted after last year’s referendum, abolished the prime minister’s role and established a seven-year presidential term, renewable once. Nguema, who led the 2023 coup, ousted elected President Ali Bongo, ending the Bongo dynasty’s 56-year rule in the oil-rich nation.