Brice Oligui Nguema Wins Gabon’s Presidential Election with 90.35% of Votes
Brice Oligui Nguema has been elected president of Gabon, winning 90.35% of the votes in the recent election. His election follows a coup that ended over 50 years of Bongo family rule. Nguema aims to diversify the economy and reduce poverty, with a voter turnout of 70.40%.
Brice Oligui Nguema, the leader who orchestrated a coup in Gabon in August 2023, has been elected president, receiving 90.35% of the votes according to provisional results reported by the interior minister. This election result solidifies Nguema’s authority, nearly 19 months after the coup, which ended over 50 years of governance by the Bongo family in the oil-rich nation.
In the election, Nguema’s chief rival was Alain Claude Bilie By Nze, who previously served as prime minister under Ali Bongo, finishing significantly behind with just 3.02% of the votes. Nguema presented himself as a progressive leader, campaigning under the slogan “We Build Together,” while promising to eliminate corruption and reform the government.
His proposed initiatives include diversifying Gabon’s economy, which heavily depends on oil, and promoting sectors such as agriculture, industry, and tourism to address the high poverty rates affecting one-third of the population. Voter turnout was 70.40%, exceeding the 56.65% participation in the August 2023 elections that led to the coup, which was mired in accusations of fraud.
The last election was characterized by claims of electoral malpractice, which unfolded immediately after the controversial results named Bongo the victor, leading to widespread unrest and the subsequent coup.
Brice Oligui Nguema’s election as president with 90.35% of the vote reaffirms his hold on power after overthrowing the long-standing Bongo regime. He faces significant challenges, including diversifying Gabon’s economy and addressing pervasive poverty. The high voter turnout indicates a strong interest in political change among the populace, in contrast to the allegations of fraud in previous elections.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
