Gabon coup leader wins election by huge margin

Gabon’s military leader, Gen Brice Oligui Nguema, has won the presidential election. Provisional results show he received over 90% of the vote. He led a coup in 2023 that ended a nearly 60-year dynasty.

Critics argued that the new constitution favored Oligui Nguema. Some opposition candidates were excluded from the race. His victory strengthens his power after ousting President Ali Bongo in 2021.

Oligui Nguema, age 50, faced seven other candidates. This included former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-by-Nze and two members of the former ruling party. Interior Minister Hermann Immongault announced Oligui Nguema received 575,222 votes.

Bilie-by-Nze, his main challenger, got just over 3% of the votes. More than 70% of registered voters participated in the election. Authorities and some observers praised its transparency and peacefulness.

However, there were complaints about irregularities during voting. Some polling stations experienced delays, and some voters could not find their locations. Bilie-by-Nze expressed concern about unmarked ballot papers being insecurely stored.

Oligui Nguema's victory gives him a seven-year mandate to govern Gabon. He aims to address corruption and poor governance from the previous regime. The country is rich in oil and timber but has many citizens living in poverty.

Despite its resources, around 35% of Gabon's population lives below the poverty line of $2 (£1.50) a day. The nation has a population of just 2.5 million people.