Brice Oligui Nguema Elected President of Gabon Amidst Calls for Change

Brice Oligui Nguema won Gabon’s presidential election with 90% of the vote, succeeding a coup that ended the Bongo Dynasty’s 55-year rule. Concerns linger regarding his connections to the previous regime and the electoral process. His mantra, “We Build Together,” underscores a focus on reform and addressing the needs of the population, as the nation moves forward towards the next election in 2025.

Brice Oligui Nguema, a former military commander, has overwhelmingly won Gabon’s presidential election held on April 13, 2023, securing 90% of the votes. His nearest competitor, Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, received a mere three percent of the vote, while the remaining six candidates garnered less than one percent each.

The election follows a coup led by Oligui Nguema in 2023, which ousted the Bongo Dynasty after the opposition rejected the electoral results. The Bongo family had maintained power for 55 years, often beset by accusations of election rigging and mismanagement of the country’s resources. Despite gathering immense wealth from oil and timber, around 40% of Gabon’s population lives below the poverty line, with the country struggling under a $3 billion international debt.

This election represented a critical moment for the Gabonese people. Having operated under a transitional government since the coup, citizens felt a sense of empowerment in the electoral process for the first time in years. With an impressive voter turnout of 70%, there is a clear demand for change among the populace.

Despite Oligui Nguema’s past ties to the former regime as head of the Republican Guard, skepticism persists regarding his capability to lead meaningful reforms. Concerns about the integrity of the electoral process were raised, with reports of difficulties in locating polling places and inadequate vote security. “The political establishment in Gabon is still deeply intertwined with the Bongo era,” observed reporter Ali Hashem.

After his election victory, Oligui Nguema expressed his commitment to restorations, 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.” His administration aims to forge partnerships with global powers, including the United States, France, Russia, and China, as evidenced by the engagement of 20 ambassadors during his transitional leadership.

Oligui Nguema’s slogan, “We Build Together,” reflects his ambition to address pressing economic issues such as restoring electricity, tackling food shortages, creating jobs, and ensuring that Gabon’s natural resources benefit ordinary citizens.

The upcoming election in 2025 is anticipated to signify a definitive transition away from the Bongo Dynasty, ushering in a new era for Gabon.

Brice Oligui Nguema’s victory in Gabon’s presidential election marks a pivotal shift in the country’s political landscape, reflecting widespread public desire for change after decades under the Bongo Dynasty. While the election has sparked optimism, concerns regarding Oligui Nguema’s past affiliations and the electoral integrity remain apparent. His commitment to reform and focus on the needs of the Gabonese people will be crucial as the country navigates this transformative period and prepares for future elections.

Original Source: etownian.com