Brice Oligui Nguema Secures 90.35% Victory as Gabon’s New President

Brice Oligui Nguema has been elected President of Gabon with 90.35% of the votes following a coup in August 2023. His main opponent, Alain Claude Bilie By Nze, received only 3.02% of the votes. Nguema aims to diversify the economy and reduce poverty, with a voter turnout of 70.40% indicating robust public participation.

Brice Oligui Nguema, who assumed power following a coup in August 2023, has been elected President of Gabon with a decisive 90.35% of the votes, as announced by the interior minister. This election outcome solidifies Nguema’s authority nearly 19 months after the coup that terminated the decades-long dominance of the Bongo family in this oil-rich nation of approximately 2.5 million citizens.

In the presidential election, Nguema faced notable competition from Alain Claude Bilie By Nze, the former prime minister under President Ali Bongo, who secured merely 3.02% of the votes according to provisional results. As part of his campaign, Nguema, donning a baseball cap emblazoned with his slogan “We Build Together,” portrayed himself as a reform-minded leader intent on eliminating entrenched corruption.

Nguema has committed to diversifying Gabon’s economy, which relies heavily on oil, by promoting agriculture, industry, and tourism, particularly given that one-third of the population resides in poverty. Voter turnout was reported at an impressive 70.40%, surpassing the 56.65% participation in the preceding election that led to the coup, wherein Bongo was declared the winner amid claims of electoral fraud.

With this electoral victory, Nguema aims to bring significant changes to Gabon, countering the legacies of the previous administration and addressing socioeconomic challenges. The context of this election reflects a broader desire for political reform and improvement in living conditions for the Gabonese people, as they seek new directions under Nguema’s leadership.

Brice Oligui Nguema’s election as President of Gabon with 90.35% of the vote strengthens his control following the coup that removed the Bongo regime. His administration is expected to focus on economic diversification and tackling corruption, while the high voter turnout indicates a strong engagement from the populace. The results mark a significant shift in Gabon’s political landscape, as Nguema pledges to lead transformative reforms.

Original Source: www.usnews.com