Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema Elected President of Gabon

Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema was elected president of Gabon with 90.35% of the vote in the April 2025 election, marking the country’s return to constitutional order post-coup. His primary opponent received only 3.02% of the votes. The election was characterized by a 70.4% voter turnout and extensive oversight by national and international observers, highlighting a successful electoral process.

On April 13, 2025, Gabon’s Interior Minister Hermann Immongault announced that Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has been elected as the new president of Gabon. Nguema received an overwhelming 90.35 percent of the votes during the presidential election held the previous day. This electoral process represents Gabon’s first presidential election since the coup that removed former President Ali Bongo Ondimba in 2023.

Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who has served as the transitional president since the 2023 coup, faced significant competition. His main opponent, Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, who previously served as a prime minister under the Bongo administration, garnered approximately 3.02 percent of the votes. The election was marked by a voter turnout of 70.4% from a total of 920,200 registered voters, including over 28,000 living abroad.

The recent election is seen as a critical step in Gabon’s transition towards restoring constitutional order. Nguema previously resigned from his military position to adhere to Gabon’s Electoral Code. His challengers included Axel Stophene Ibinga Ibinga and Thierry Yvon Michel Ngoma, and Zenaba Gninga Chaning, the only female candidate, who campaigned on promoting population growth and reviving traditional practices.

Jean Eric Nziengui Mangala, the spokesperson for the Interior Ministry, highlighted the successful organization of the election, stating it occurred in a “calm and peaceful atmosphere,” with a high voter turnout. An observer report revealed that 74 percent of polling stations operated on schedule, while 99 percent were adequately prepared with voting materials. There were 48 national and international observer missions overseeing the process, with approximately 2,450 accredited observers.

Gabon’s new constitution, adopted in a referendum in November 2024, stipulates that the presidential term lasts for seven years, with a possibility of one renewal. The electoral process also introduces a two-round system in which a candidate must secure an absolute majority to win outright, or, in the absence of such a majority, a runoff election will take place between the leading contenders.

The election of Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema as Gabon’s president represents a significant transition following a military coup in 2023. His substantial electoral victory and the notable voter turnout underscore the importance of this election in the country’s pathway back to constitutional order. The new constitutional provisions further shape the electoral landscape, promoting a regulated democratic process.

Original Source: english.news.cn