Brice Oligui Nguema has been elected President of Gabon with 90% of the vote, succeeding the Bongo Dynasty after a coup. Despite this historic electoral mandate, concerns persist over his previous ties to the former regime and the integrity of the voting process. Oligui Nguema aims to redistribute wealth and address socioeconomic issues, while fostering partnerships with global powers as Gabon navigates its post-Bongo political landscape.
As of April 13, 2023, Brice Oligui Nguema has been elected President of Gabon, winning an overwhelming 90% of the total vote. His main rival, Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, received a mere three percent, while the remaining six candidates each garnered less than one percent. This election represents a significant change for Gabon, particularly following the military coup orchestrated by Oligui Nguema in 2023 against the long-standing Bongo Dynasty, which had ruled the nation for 55 years.
The Bongo family was notorious for manipulating the electoral process, having established a one-party system that often claimed unrealistic victories in elections. President Ali Bongo Ondimba’s rule came to an end amidst accusations of electoral fraud, contributing to the coup. Despite the wealth amassed through the country’s oil and timber resources, approximately 40% of Gabon’s population lived below the poverty line, while the country faced $3 billion in international debt.
In the two years that followed the coup, Gabon was governed by a transitional administration led by Oligui Nguema as the chairman of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions. This election was notable as the first opportunity for citizens to express their democratic will since the coup, with seven out of ten voters showing support for Oligui Nguema, reflecting a strong desire for socioeconomic change in Gabon.
Despite the electoral success, skepticism remains regarding Oligui Nguema’s ties to the previous regime, as he had served as head of the Republican Guard under Ali Bongo. Concerns were raised over the electoral process’s integrity, with reports of voters struggling to locate polling places and allegations of insecure vote handling. “The political establishment in Gabon is still deeply intertwined with the Bongo era,” noted Al Jazeera reporter Ali Hashem.
In response to these concerns and to reassure the electorate, Oligui Nguema indicated a desire to prioritize the redistribution of wealth, stating, “I will give back to the people what they have given me today. And everything that has been stolen from the people, I want to return to them.” He also plans to foster international partnerships, engaging with global powers including the United States, France, Russia, and China.
Oligui Nguema’s presidency is characterized by a reformist agenda encapsulated in the slogan “We Build Together.” His administration is focused on addressing critical issues such as electricity restoration, food shortages, job creation, and the equitable distribution of Gabon’s vast natural resources. As the 2025 election approaches, this election signifies a potential turning point for Gabon, moving away from the influence of the Bongo Dynasty toward a new chapter of governance.
In conclusion, Brice Oligui Nguema’s election as President marks a transformative moment for Gabon, succeeding a long-standing regime characterized by electoral fraud and economic disparity. The high voter turnout reflects a yearning for change, although skepticism regarding his past affiliations remains. Oligui Nguema’s proposed policies aim to enhance the welfare of the Gabonese populace while establishing international partnerships, setting a hopeful yet cautious tone for the future amidst the nation’s ongoing challenges.
Original Source: etownian.com
