Gabon Coup Leader Brice Oligui Nguema Wins Presidency by Landslide

Gabon’s transitional military leader, General Brice Oligui Nguema, has secured a decisive victory in the country’s presidential election, winning more than 90% of the vote, according to provisional results released on Saturday.

Oligui Nguema, who seized power in a 2023 coup that ended nearly six decades of rule by the Bongo family, now officially cements his grip on the presidency. His win follows widespread criticism that recent constitutional and electoral reforms were crafted to ease his path to power.

Key opposition figures who may have posed significant challenges were barred from participating in the race. Of the seven candidates who contested the election, the general’s closest rival, former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-by-Nze, garnered just over 3% of the vote.

Interior Minister Hermann Immongault announced the result, stating:

“Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema is elected [president] by absolute majority of votes cast, with 575,222 votes.”

The voter turnout was reported to be high, with over 70% of registered voters taking part. Authorities and some observers praised the election for being peaceful and orderly, though there were reports of logistical issues and concerns over transparency. Delays at polling stations and confusion over voter locations were noted, and Bilie-by-Nze voiced alarm over claims that unsecured, unmarked ballots could have been misused.

Oligui Nguema, 50, a former commander of the elite Republican Guard, has positioned himself as a reformer ready to break from Gabon’s troubled past. He now begins a seven-year term with promises to root out corruption and rebuild national institutions damaged under decades of dynastic rule.

His popularity stems in part from a population eager for change, and his campaign capitalized on widespread discontent with the Bongo era. Now, with an overwhelming electoral mandate, the spotlight turns to how he will deliver on the reforms and accountability he pledged.