Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema Elected President of Gabon

Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has been elected as Gabon’s president with 90.35% of the votes. This election, marking Gabon’s first since the 2023 coup, saw a voter turnout of 70.4%. Nguema, who previously served as transitional leader, has now formally resigned from military duties to assume the presidency. The new constitution outlines presidential terms and electoral rules aimed at enhancing democratic governance.

Gabon’s Interior Minister, Hermann Immongault, confirmed on April 13, 2025, that Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has won the presidential election. The election, conducted on April 12, resulted in Nguema securing an impressive 90.35 percent of the votes. This election marked a pivotal moment following the coup in 2023 that unseated former President Ali Bongo Ondimba, placing Nguema as the transitional leader since then.

The election results showed Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, Nguema’s primary opponent and former prime minister, trailing with approximately 3.02 percent of the vote. Out of 920,200 registered voters, including over 28,000 from abroad, the turnout reached 70.4 percent, reflecting a strong public engagement in the electoral process.

This marked Gabon’s first presidential election post-coup, symbolizing a critical step in restoring constitutional governance. In compliance with the Electoral Code, Nguema stepped down from his military role in order to run for presidency. Other candidates included Axel Stophene Ibinga Ibinga and Thierry Yvon Michel Ngoma, both business figures, along with Zenaba Gninga Chaning, the sole female candidate advocating for population growth and cultural practices.

The election took place within a peaceful framework, with Jean Eric Nziengui Mangala from the Interior Ministry affirming the high voter turnout. A report from the Citizen Observers Network indicated that a significant number of polling stations were operational and equipped appropriately. The election was overseen by 48 national and international observer missions, comprising around 2,450 individuals.

Gabon recently adopted a new constitution through a referendum in November 2024, establishing presidential terms of seven years, renewable once. The new electoral guidelines specify that a candidate must achieve an absolute majority in a single round, failing which a runoff will occur between the top two candidates.

In conclusion, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema’s election marks a significant milestone for Gabon as it transitions towards restoring constitutional order following a coup. The overwhelming voter turnout and peaceful electoral environment underscore the citizens’ commitment to democratic processes. The country moves forward with new constitutional provisions that redefine presidential terms and electoral processes, indicating a hopeful future for Gabon’s governance.

Original Source: english.news.cn