LIBREVILLE (AP) – Voters in oil-rich Gabon headed to the polls on Saturday, April 12, 2025, for a pivotal presidential election that the country’s military rulers hope will cement their hold on power.
The vote marks the first since a military coup in 2023 abruptly ended more than five decades of dynastic rule. Analysts widely expect interim President Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, the coup leader, to secure a sweeping victory.
Roughly 920,000 people, including over 28,000 registered overseas, are eligible to vote at more than 3,000 polling stations. Despite Gabon’s vast oil wealth, around a third of its 2.3 million citizens live in poverty.
Gen. Oligui Nguema, 50, previously headed the powerful Republican Guard before overthrowing President Ali Bongo Ondimba nearly two years ago. He now seeks to transition from interim to elected president with a mandate for a seven-year term.
After the coup, Bongo was briefly placed under house arrest but released a week later due to health concerns. His wife and son were detained and charged with corruption and embezzlement. Bongo himself has not faced charges.
Following the power grab, Oligui Nguema pledged to restore civilian rule through “credible elections.” However, critics argue the process has been anything but. A new, controversial electoral law—passed by parliament—now permits military officers to contest elections. Soon after, Oligui declared himself both interim president and presidential candidate.
Campaigning under the slogan “We Build Together,” he has presented himself as a unifier determined to bring hope and progress to Gabonese citizens.
A constitutional referendum in November ushered in a new charter, setting presidential terms at seven years, renewable once, replacing the previous unlimited five-year terms. The constitution also bars familial succession and abolished the prime minister’s role.
The Opposition Voice
Eight candidates are contesting the presidency, but Oligui Nguema’s main rival is former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze. In an interview with the Associated Press, Bilie-By-Nze called for “a break with the old system” and a new era of “political, diplomatic, and economic independence.”
Gabon remains one of the few former French colonies in Africa that still maintains strong ties with Paris. Over 300 French troops remain stationed in the country, making Gabon one of only two African nations still hosting a French military presence.
While Oligui Nguema has not indicated any plans to alter this relationship, Bilie-By-Nze has suggested that “no subject is off limits” when it comes to renegotiating the countries’ ties.
Bilie-By-Nze also raised concerns about electoral integrity, stating: “Everything has been done to lock down the vote.” Oligui’s campaign team rejected the accusation. “For the first time, Gabon will have a free and transparent election,” said campaign spokesperson Laurence Ndong earlier this week.
Mixed Reactions at the Polls
In the capital, Libreville, voters formed early lines on Saturday, with the election proceeding peacefully.
“I will vote for Bilie-By-Nze because the 2023 coup was just more of the same,” said Jonas Obiang, a voter from the working-class Damas district. “General Oligui Nguema is surrounded by the same people who plundered the country under Bongo. I can’t support that.”
His sentiments were echoed by Antoine Nkili, 27, an unemployed law graduate.
“The military has failed. They promised reform, but instead enriched themselves,” he said.
However, others expressed support for the military-backed government.
“In just 19 months, General Oligui Nguema has accomplished projects that the previous regime never did,” said Jean Bie, 57, a construction worker. “I’m voting for him, hoping he’ll do even more in the next seven years.”
