Gabon is on edge as the nation awaits the outcome of its first presidential election since the military-led coup that ended over 50 years of Bongo family rule.
According to electoral authorities, provisional results from Saturday's crucial vote are expected to be announced later today.
The election comes nearly two years after General Brice Oligui Nguema seized power in August 2023, ousting then-President Ali Bongo.
Since assuming leadership, Gen. Oligui has overseen a constitutional overhaul that now allows him to run for president,a move that has drawn criticism from opposition figures who say the new laws favor the military-backed candidate.
While Gen. Oligui’s campaign has promised stability and a transition to a “new republic,”; his critics argue that the playing field was never level. Several prominent opposition figures were barred from contesting, narrowing the field to just eight candidates, including one woman, Gninga Chaning Zenaba.
Among those vying for the presidency are former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-by-Nze, a key figure in the ousted Bongo administration, and ex-members of the former ruling Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), Stéphane Germain Iloko and Alain Simplice Boungouères.
Whoever emerges victorious will face the daunting task of tackling entrenched corruption, poor governance, and deep socio-economic inequality, hallmarks of the Bongo era.
Despite widespread skepticism, turnout appeared high in many polling stations across Libreville, with voters forming long lines in what many described as a peaceful and orderly process. Some observers and candidates even praised the conduct of the election.
In a public statement earlier on Saturday, Gen. Oligui described the vote as “transparent”; and expressed hope that it would mark the beginning of a new chapter for Gabon.
However, candidate Bilie-by-Nze voiced concerns over irregularities at some polling stations, warning that the issues could raise suspicions of electoral fraud.
Gabon, a nation of just 2.5 million people, is rich in oil and timber, yet more than one-third of its population continues to live below the poverty line.
