Gabon waits nervously for results from its first presidential election since military leaders toppled the Bongo family dynasty. Electoral officials plan to announce provisional outcomes later today after Saturday's voting. The election happened almost two years after General Brice Oligui Nguema took control, removing Ali Bongo from power in August 2023.
General Oligui changed the constitution, allowing himself to run for president - a move critics say benefits him unfairly. Many opposition leaders couldn't participate, leaving just eight candidates, including one woman named Gninga Chaning Zenaba. Former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-by-Nze competes against ex-members of the previous ruling party.
The next president must address the corruption, poor leadership, and economic inequality that marked the Bongo era. People turned out in large numbers at polling stations across Libreville, forming long lines in what appeared to be peaceful voting. General Oligui called the process transparent and hoped for a fresh start for the nation.
Candidate Bilie-by-Nze raised concerns about problems at some voting locations that might suggest cheating. Despite having valuable oil and timber resources, more than one-third of Gabon's 2.5 million citizens live in poverty.
General Oligui changed the constitution, allowing himself to run for president - a move critics say benefits him unfairly. Many opposition leaders couldn't participate, leaving just eight candidates, including one woman named Gninga Chaning Zenaba. Former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-by-Nze competes against ex-members of the previous ruling party.
The next president must address the corruption, poor leadership, and economic inequality that marked the Bongo era. People turned out in large numbers at polling stations across Libreville, forming long lines in what appeared to be peaceful voting. General Oligui called the process transparent and hoped for a fresh start for the nation.
Candidate Bilie-by-Nze raised concerns about problems at some voting locations that might suggest cheating. Despite having valuable oil and timber resources, more than one-third of Gabon's 2.5 million citizens live in poverty.
