The election marks the first since the 2023 military coup ended a half-century political dynasty. Analysts expect a decisive victory for the coup’s interim president. Results were expected to be released overnight or on Sunday, with polls initially planned to close at 6 p.m. local time but lacking official confirmation from the authorities.

Over 920,000 registered voters, including more than 28,000 living abroad, participated across more than 3,000 polling stations. Despite Gabon’s significant oil wealth, a third of its 2.3 million residents live in poverty.

Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, a 50-year-old former head of the republican guard, leads as interim president following President Ali Bongo Ondimba’s ousting nearly two years prior. Oligui Nguema aims for a seven-year term to solidify his power.

After voting in Libreville on Saturday, Oligui Nguema expressed pride and joy, noting the Gabonese people’s enthusiasm for change.

He described the election as “transparent” and “peaceful.”

Bongo was briefly placed under house arrest following the coup and later released for health reasons. His family members faced detention and charges of corruption and embezzlement.

Swearing to restore civilian rule through “credible elections,” Oligui Nguema positioned himself as interim president and later as a presidential candidate, adopting a new electoral code permitting military participation.

His campaign slogan, “We Build Together,” emphasizes unity and hope for the Gabonese people.

The newly adopted constitution extends presidential terms to seven years, with one possible renewal, and prohibits family succession, abolishing the role of prime minister.

A challenger with an anti-colonial platform

Eight candidates are running for president, with Bongo’s former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze as Oligui Nguema’s primary opponent. Bilie-By-Nze advocates for a break from the old system and aims for independence across political, diplomatic, and economic domains.

In a region where France’s influence is waning among its former colonies, Gabon stands as one of the few countries maintaining a strong partnership with France, including over 300 French troops.

Oligui Nguema has not signaled a change in the French military presence, while Bilie-By-Nze keeps an open stance on renegotiating ties with France.

Bilie-By-Nze questioned the fairness and transparency of the election, asserting that measures were in place to restrict voting.

Laurence Ndong, Oligui Nguema’s spokesperson, refuted those claims, ensuring a free and transparent election for the first time in Gabon.

Bilie-By-Nze voiced concerns about potential electoral fraud due to unused voting cards during his vote in Makokou, northern Gabon.

‘The military has failed’

Election day in Libreville saw early voter turnout and peaceful proceedings.

Jonas Obiang, waiting to vote in the Damas district, chose Bilie-By-Nze, viewing the military coup as an extension of past corruption.

Antoine Nkili, a 27-year-old unemployed master’s degree holder in law, echoed Obiang’s sentiments, emphasizing the military’s failure to deliver institutional reform and its self-enrichment.

Jean Bie, a 57-year-old construction worker, sees improvements under military rule, attributing completed projects to Oligui Nguema’s leadership, and plans to vote in his favor for further progress.