Gabon Election: Junta Chief Brice Oligui Nguema Expected to Win Presidential Vote

Gabonese voters participated in a presidential election on Saturday, with junta chief Brice Oligui Nguema predicted to secure a victory following his coup in 2023. Oligui expressed confidence in the election process, which saw an impressive turnout of 87.12%. As he competes against several candidates, questions remain about his ability to navigate the nation’s socio-economic difficulties and his ties to the former regime.

On Saturday, Gabonese voters participated in a presidential election that is expected to confirm junta chief Brice Oligui Nguema as the country’s first elected leader following his coup in 2023. Oligui, who led the coup that ended the Bongo family’s 55-year rule, expressed confidence in his campaign, stating, “I am very confident. May the best man win,” as he voted in Libreville, flanked by the first lady.

Polling stations in Gabon witnessed long queues as voters cast their ballots in sunny weather after a stormy night. The Gabonese Ministry of the Interior announced a voter turnout of 87.12% after polls closed at 6:00 PM. With a population of approximately 2.3 million people, Gabon faces significant challenges, including high unemployment, frequent power outages, and limited infrastructure, impacting the lives of its citizens.

Oligui, who abandoned his military uniform to campaign, is competing for a seven-year term against seven challengers, including former Prime Minister Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze. Approximately 920,000 voters were eligible to participate in this election, and Oligui is anticipating a “historic victory,” with final results expected to be released shortly.

However, critics continue to question Oligui’s ability to move beyond the years of exploitation under the previous regime. His campaign has featured extensive imagery throughout Libreville, overshadowing the presence of his rivals in the electoral landscape. Despite Oligui’s bold predictions for his victory, concerns remain regarding his connection to the past administrations’ mismanagement of Gabon’s mineral wealth.

The Gabonese presidential election has drawn significant attention due to its potential to solidify military leader Brice Oligui Nguema’s authority. With a high voter turnout and a pressing need for change in governance amid socio-economic challenges, the results will be crucial in determining the nation’s path forward. As Oligui prepares for what he hopes to be a triumphant outcome, the scrutiny surrounding his past continues to cast a shadow over his ambitions.

Original Source: www.taipeitimes.com