Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema has won the presidential election in Gabon, according to provisional results, solidifying his hold on power following a coup in 2023.
The Interior Ministry reported that General Nguema secured over 90 percent of the votes. His primary opponent, former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, conceded defeat on Monday.
Official results are expected to be announced by Gabon's Constitutional Court in the coming days, although opponents and analysts have raised concerns that the election was orchestrated to ensure General Nguema's victory.
General Nguema is poised to govern Gabon for the next seven years, becoming the second military leader in Central Africa to win an election after seizing power by force.
This victory underscores a trend of military figures returning to power in West and Central Africa, a region that has seen eight coups in the last five years.
Mahamat Déby, the military leader of Chad, was also declared the winner of a presidential contest last year after taking power in 2021.
Other military officials who have executed coups in West Africa in recent years have maintained their power by postponing elections and enforcing lengthy transition periods.
General Nguema, aged 50, had initially promised to relinquish power following his coup, which ended a long-standing political dynasty. However, after introducing a new constitution and electoral code permitting military officers to run for office, he transitioned from his military uniform to casual attire during the campaign.
Gabon, rich in mineral resources and oil, faces significant challenges, including an economy heavily reliant on oil, which constitutes 38 percent of its GDP. The country is also ranked among the most corrupt globally, according to Transparency International, with over 40 percent of young people unemployed.
During the campaign, General Nguema's opponents accused him of violating electoral regulations by using state funds for his campaign. Despite conceding, Mr. Bilie-By-Nze described the election as “a farce” and criticized the “Soviet-style results.”
He stated, “Fairness was undermined by the imbalance of resources — with one candidate campaigning at the taxpayers’ expense while others had to rely on their personal means.”
Analysts argue that General Nguema structured the election to favor himself, with constitutional reforms extending presidential terms to seven years and eliminating the prime minister's role. The new electoral code also barred a prominent opponent from running by imposing a 70-year age limit on candidates.
After the provisional results were announced, General Nguema expressed confidence in his victory, stating, “I am a captain who knows how to bring a ship to a safe port. You will see how the country is going to take off.”