Gabon’s presidential election on April 12 will test the military-led transitional government’s promise to restore civilian rule, with General Brice Oligui Nguema widely favored to win against a main rival who accuses the government of an uneven playing field.
Around 860,000 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots on April 12 in Gabon‘s presidential election, marking a significant test for the military-led transitional government’s promise to restore civilian rule. The August 2023 coup that ousted President Ali Bongo from power was the last in a string of coups that swept through the continent between August 2020 and August 2024.
The Republic of Gabon is a presidential representative democratic republic.
The President serves as both head of state and head of government.
Elections in Gabon are held to elect the President and members of the National Assembly.
The country has a multi-party system, with several political parties participating in elections.
The most recent presidential election was held in 2023, with incumbent President Ali Bongo Ondimba being re-elected for a third term.
Key Candidates and Their Campaigns
General Brice Oligui Nguema, who spearheaded the coup and is currently the transitional president, is widely favored to win the eight-candidate presidential race. Nguema campaigns on an anti-corruption ticket, emphasizing the need to break from the past political dynasty. His main rival, Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, a former prime minister and opposition candidate, has accused Nguema‘s transitional government of an uneven playing field ahead of the polls.
General Brice Oligui Nguema is a Gabonese army officer who served as the Chairman of the Transition Council.
Born in 1969, he rose through the ranks to become a key figure in the country's military hierarchy.
In January 2023, he led a coup against President Ali Bongo, seizing power and establishing a transitional government.
Oligui Nguema has stated his commitment to restoring democracy and stability in Gabon, with plans to hold elections within 18 months.
Constitutional and Electoral Reforms
In November 2024, Gabon adopted a new constitution via a referendum that an overwhelming 92% passed. The new constitution sets the presidential term at seven years, renewable once, and permits military personnel to run for office, allowing Nguema‘s candidacy. However, critics have questioned the independence and effectiveness of the independent electoral commission, the Centre Gabonais des Élections (CGE).
Economic Challenges
Gabon‘s economy is heavily reliant on exporting crude oil, timber, and manganese. Oil revenues have sunk due to falling global crude prices, leaving much of the country’s revenue vulnerable to fluctuations in the global market. The two leading candidates have pledged to diversify Gabon‘s economy and focus more on agriculture and tourism.
The Bongo Legacy
“His legacy is a significant concern for the nation of 2.3 million, with many wondering if Gabon can truly break free from its dynastic past.” Ali Bongo might no longer be president, but he remains influential through political networks, family ties, and elites from his previous regime.
Ali Bongo Ondimba is the current President of Gabon, a Central African country.
Born on February 9, 1959, in Brazzaville, Congo, he rose to power after his father's assassination in 2009.
Bongo holds a degree in international relations from France's Institute of Political Studies and has served as Minister of Defense, Foreign Affairs, and State.
He was re-elected in 2023 for a third term, amidst controversy over constitutional changes allowing him to run again.
