Gabon to hold 1st presidential election since 2023 coup

Gabon will hold its first presidential election on Saturday since a coup two years ago, marking the final phase of the country’s political transition and the anticipated return to constitutional order.

Interior Minister Hermann Immongault said at a press conference in Libreville, the vote is a milestone in the restoration of national institutions, referencing recent reforms such as the national identification number system, the introduction of biometric ID cards, and the adoption of a new electoral code and constitution.

Transitional President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who led the coup that ousted former President Ali Bongo Ondimba, is among the eight candidates contesting the presidency.

Nguema resigned from his military post in accordance with Gabon’s Electoral Code to participate in the election. His main challenger is Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, former prime minister under the Bongo administration.

Other candidates include former 2023 presidential contenders Axel Stophene Ibinga Ibinga, a businessman, and Thierry Yvon Michel Ngoma, also a businessman. The only female candidate, businesswoman Zenaba Gninga Chaning, has advocated for population growth and the promotion of traditional practices such as polygamy.

The 14-day electoral campaign concluded on Friday, with eight candidates vying for the presidency.

Gabon’s new constitution, approved in a referendum in November 2024, sets a seven-year presidential term, renewable only once.

“This is more than a civic duty. It is an act of faith in the Republic and a commitment to our shared future,” said Immongault.

Under the new electoral provisions, the president is elected through a two-round system. A candidate must secure an absolute majority of valid votes in the first round to win outright. If no candidate achieves this threshold, a runoff election will be held between the top two contenders