Brice Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s coup leader, aims for a seven-year presidential term as the country prepares for elections. His campaign promises economic reform and improvements in basic services. Main challenger Alain Claude Bilie By Nze faces challenges due to his ties to the previous regime. Approximately 900,000 voters are registered while concerns regarding power shortages persist.
In Gabon, Brice Oligui Nguema, the leader of the recent coup, is poised to solidify his leadership as a presidential election approaches. Having ousted President Ali Bongo, whose regime lasted over 50 years, Nguema presents himself as a reformer committed to dismantling corruption while advocating for socioeconomic diversification in Gabon’s oil-centric economy.
Campaigning under the slogan “We Build Together,” Nguema aims to uplift sectors like agriculture, industry, and tourism, as a significant portion of the population struggles with poverty. During his final rally, he proclaimed, “We have liberated the country to give its people hope.”
Polling is set to commence at 7 a.m. (0600 GMT) and conclude at 6 p.m. (1700 GMT), with results anticipated on Sunday. The winning candidate will receive a seven-year term, subject to renewal. His primary opponent, Alain Claude Bilie By Nze, holds a challenging position given his prior role as Prime Minister under Bongo, prompting skepticism about his capability to lead.
Nze, 57, has sought to distance himself from the previous regime while questioning Nguema’s qualifications. Analysts suggest Nguema’s popularity stems from favorable perceptions regarding the coup and his active campaign engagement. The recent constitutional changes facilitated Nguema’s eligibility, with experts noting Nze’s past associations with the disgraced government may weaken his criticism of Nguema’s potential threats to democracy.
Approximately 900,000 voters are registered to participate in this election, alongside another 28,000 voting abroad. While Gabon experienced economic growth driven by key sectors, citizens express pressing concerns related to basic services, particularly ongoing power outages—evidenced by statements from voters citing this as a critical priority.
In summary, Brice Oligui Nguema’s ascent to potential presidential leadership marks a transformative moment for Gabon following years of Bongo family dominance. With a platform focused on economic diversification and social reform, Nguema appeals to a populace eager for change, despite facing credible opposition from his predecessor’s former allies. As the election unfolds, the political landscape remains tense, with fundamental issues of service provision influencing voter priorities.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
