April 16, 2025
Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema minimize a rug in celebration of his presidential victory.
Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema is celebrating his victory because the newly elected president of Gabon, the Related Press reported.
In response to official outcomes, Nguema gained the presidency with 90% of the vote. Voter turnout reached 87.21% within the African nation, which has a inhabitants of roughly 920,000.
The overall joined supporters in a public celebration, dancing on stage as the gang cheered the nation’s new management. The occasion marked a symbolic finish to Gabon’s Bongo dynasty, which dominated the nation for over 5 a long time.
Although the election secured Nguema a decisive majority, the vote has not been with out controversy. Some critics, together with former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, an opponent of Nguema, have raised considerations concerning the marketing campaign’s equity, alleging that authorities assets have been used to sway voters.
“What we skilled on Saturday, April 12, was not a free election,” mentioned former Prime Minister Bilie-By-Nze. “By no means, since getting into politics, have I witnessed such a hijacking of all State assets.”
Nonetheless, the Gabonese Civil Society Organizations Remark Mission reported that each the polling course of and marketing campaign ways met acceptable requirements.
Nguema entered authorities in August 2023, when he seized energy as an interim chief following a military-led coup. That transfer got here simply hours after President Bongo was declared the winner of a disputed election. The navy annulled the outcomes, citing allegations of fraud and governance failures beneath Bongo’s administration.
Nguema’s formal election marks the tip of Gabon’s transitional authorities interval, and the start of what he has promised might be a brand new chapter targeted on anti-corruption and institutional reform.
Worldwide observers are anticipated to observe the brand new administration intently as Nguema begins his time period amid lingering considerations about democratic processes and navy affect in governance.
RELATED CONTENT: Nigerian Fintech Raenest Lands $11M Funding From QED To Advance Fee To Africa’s Distant Staff