Gabon votes in historic election after military coup

Gabon, an oil-rich central African nation, conducted its first presidential election on April 12, 2025, following a military coup in August 2023 that overthrew Ali Bongo Ondimba, ending over five decades of Bongo family rule. The coup, led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, was marked by a promise to restore civilian governance through credible elections. Nguema, who temporarily stepped down from his military role to run, emerged as the frontrunner in an election that featured eight candidates. Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, the last prime minister under Bongo, was seen as his main competitor and positioned himself as the candidate for change, despite accusations of being part of the former regime. In the months leading up to the election, hopes for a transparent democratic process were high, especially given the history of political unrest in Gabon, including protests in 2016 and the recent coup. The election was closely monitored, with the ministry of the interior promising transparency. Gabon's new constitution allowed candidates to seek reimbursement for their campaign expenses, leveling some aspects of the electoral playing field. Although concerns remained regarding fairness and bias in favor of the ruling candidate, hopes lingered among voters for reform and improvements in governance. Voter engagement was significant, with approximately one million citizens expected to participate in the election to determine their next president. The socio-economic landscape remains a critical concern as around one-third of Gabonese live below the poverty line, despite the country's substantial resource wealth. A high unemployment rate, particularly among youth, highlighted the urgent need for effective leadership. Participating candidates promised diverse platforms, but many voters expressed skepticism, believing that the new candidates did little to distinguish themselves from previous administrations or offered true avenues for change. As the election unfolded, analysts predicted that Nguema would win a significant majority due to his popularity among citizens who were eager for a break from the Bongo family's entrenched power. While he campaigned on a message of modernization and accountability, Bilie By Nze attempted to convince the electorate of his ability to enact real change based on his past experiences within the system. The election results were to be announced shortly after voting concluded, marking a pivotal moment for Gabon’s political landscape and future governance.