Brice Oligui Nguema has been elected president of Gabon with 90.35% of the vote, following his coup in August 2023 that ended Bongo family rule. His main opponent, Alain Claude Bilie By Nze, received only 3.02%. Nguema aims to diversify Gabon’s economy, and voter turnout was reported at 70.40%.
Brice Oligui Nguema has been officially elected as Gabon’s president, securing 90.35% of the votes cast in the latest election, as reported by the interior minister. This victory solidifies Nguema’s hold on power, following his coup in August 2023, which ended over 50 years of Bongo family rule in Gabon, a country with a population of approximately 2.5 million and significant oil reserves.
The election’s principal contender, Alain Claude Bilie By Nze, who was the prime minister under former President Ali Bongo during the coup, garnered only 3.02% of the votes. Nguema campaigned under the slogan “We Build Together,” wearing a baseball cap, and positioned himself as a reformist dedicated to eradicating corruption within the previous regime.
Nguema has expressed his commitment to transforming the oil-centric economy of Gabon, emphasizing the need to enhance sectors such as agriculture, industry, and tourism, particularly as a third of the population is currently living in poverty. The turnout for this election was reported at 70.40%, a significant increase from the 56.65% participation in the August 2023 election that led to the coup, which the opposition denounced as fraudulent.
In conclusion, Brice Oligui Nguema’s election as Gabon’s president represents a pivotal shift in the country’s political landscape following the coup that ended Bongo family dominance. Nguema’s substantial support highlights public desire for reform, with a focus on diversifying the economy and improving living conditions for the populace. Notably, the voter turnout reflects increased engagement in the electoral process, signaling potential changes ahead for Gabon.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
