Libreville, Gabon – April 13, 2025 — Gabonese citizens are anxiously awaiting the results of the country’s pivotal presidential election, held Saturday, amid widespread expectations that interim president and former coup leader Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema will secure a sweeping victory.
The election marks the nation’s first vote since the August 2023 military coup that ousted long-time President Ali Bongo Ondimba, ending a political dynasty that spanned over five decades. With over 920,000 registered voters, including more than 28,000 overseas, the poll is being closely watched both regionally and internationally as a test of Gabon’s democratic path forward.
According to the Gabonese Civil Society Organizations Observation Mission, the election was conducted under largely satisfactory conditions. Their preliminary report, issued late Saturday, stated that:
- 94.8% of observed polling stations operated smoothly.
- 98.6% of election procedures were deemed transparent.
- Oligui Nguema’s campaign had representatives at nearly 70% of polling stations.
- By contrast, his closest rival, former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, was represented at only 8.2% of the observed polling stations.
These figures highlight the organizational dominance of the interim president’s campaign, raising questions from opposition groups about access to state resources and fairness in the electoral process.
General Oligui Nguema, 50, previously served as the head of the Republican Guard before leading the coup that deposed Ali Bongo. He was swiftly installed as interim president, promising sweeping reforms and a transition to civilian rule.
Following his vote in Libreville, the capital, Oligui expressed confidence in the election process, saying:
“I am proud of our citizens who came out to vote. This is a moment to turn the page and join the new Republic. May the best man win.”
Despite these optimistic remarks, many Gabonese remain skeptical of the military’s motives and achievements over the past 20 months.
Oligui faces seven challengers, most notably Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, who served as prime minister under the ousted Bongo administration. In a video message released after voting in northern Gabon, Bilie-By-Nze accused the government of leveraging state resources to boost Oligui’s campaign, a claim denied by official channels.
He also voiced concerns about potential electoral fraud, specifically citing the risk of unused voting cards being exploited to manipulate results.
“There are real fears that these unused cards could be used to fabricate turnout figures or cast fraudulent votes,” he said.
Among ordinary voters, sentiment is mixed regarding the military’s performance since taking control. Many had initially welcomed the ousting of Ali Bongo’s government, but say reform promises remain unfulfilled.
“I’m telling you that for me, the military has failed,” said Antoine Nkili, a 27-year-old law graduate currently unemployed. “They promised to reform institutions, but they haven’t. Instead, they’ve enriched themselves.”
Others expressed cautious optimism that the election might usher in a new phase of stability, even if led by the current transitional leadership.
The results of this election are likely to define Gabon’s political trajectory for the next decade. If confirmed, Oligui Nguema would secure a seven-year term, cementing his leadership and likely consolidating military influence over civilian governance.
The final results are expected in the coming days. Meanwhile, international observers and local civil society groups are closely monitoring developments for any signs of irregularities or unrest.
