Gabon starts voting in first presidential election since 2023 coup

IANS April 12, 2025 137 views

Gabon is conducting its first presidential election since the 2023 military coup that removed long-standing leader Ali Bongo. Transitional President Brice Oligui Nguema, who led the coup, is now seeking formal election among eight candidates competing for the nation's top office. The election features a new constitutional framework establishing seven-year presidential terms with limited renewability. International and national observers are closely monitoring this critical democratic process to ensure transparency and fairness.

"This election marks our return to constitutional order" - Electoral Commission Representative
Libreville, April 12: Gabonese voters went to the polls on Saturday to elect a president in its first presidential election since a coup two years ago, marking the final phase of the country's political transition and the anticipated return to constitutional order.

Key Points

1

- Eight candidates contest first election since 2023 military takeover

Polling stations have been in full swing since Saturday morning, observed Xinhua correspondents in Libreville, the country's capital.

Transitional President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who led the coup that ousted former President Ali Bongo Ondimba, is among the eight candidates contesting the presidency.

Nguema resigned from his military post in accordance with Gabon's Electoral Code to participate in the election. His main challenger is Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, former prime minister under the Bongo administration.

Other candidates include former 2023 presidential contenders Axel Stophene Ibinga Ibinga, a businessman, and Thierry Yvon Michel Ngoma, also a businessman. The only female candidate, businesswoman Zenaba Gninga Chaning, has advocated for population growth and the promotion of traditional practices such as polygamy.

According to the Ministry of the Interior, 3,037 polling stations, including 2,941 within the country and 96 abroad, will close at 6 p.m. local time (1700 GMT) on Saturday, with extensions possible under the electoral law. A total of 920,200 voters are registered, including over 28,000 overseas.

The ministry announced that all bars will be closed from 11:30 p.m. on Friday until midnight on Saturday, describing the decision as a measure to maintain public order and ensure a peaceful voting environment during this critical moment in the country's democratic process.

Gabon's new constitution, approved in a referendum in November 2024, sets a seven-year presidential term, renewable only once.

A total of 48 national and international observer missions, comprising about 2,450 observers, have been accredited to monitor the vote, Xinhua news agency reported.

Under the new electoral provisions, the president is elected through a two-round system. A candidate must secure an absolute majority of valid votes in the first round to win outright. If no candidate achieves this threshold, a runoff election will be held between the top two contenders.

Reader Comments

M
Marie L.
This is such an important moment for Gabon! Hoping for a peaceful transition and fair elections 🤞 The international observers give me some confidence in the process.
J
Jean K.
Interesting to see Nguema running after leading the coup. Does anyone else find that a bit concerning? Hope the people get to choose freely without pressure.
A
Amadou T.
Closing bars for election day is actually a smart move. Less chance of drunk people causing trouble at polling stations. More African countries should do this!
S
Sophie M.
While I support democratic processes, I'm skeptical about how free these elections will be with a coup leader as candidate. The international community should watch closely.
P
Paul B.
The seven-year term seems too long to me. Why not stick with five years like many other democracies? Longer terms increase the risk of power consolidation.
F
Fatou D.
Excited to see a woman running! Even if her platform is controversial, representation matters. Hope this inspires more Gabonese women to enter politics 💪

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Gabon Elections Brice Oligui Nguema African Politics Military Transition Presidential Election
You May Like!