Gabon’s military ruler Gen Brice Oligui Nguema has emerged from Gabon’s presidential election with a landslide victory according to provisional results confirmed on Sunday.
Gen Oligui came to power in a military coup in 2023 against Ali Bongo, which put paid to the Bongo’s political domination of the oil-rich central African country for nearly 60 years.
He had changed the constitution to allow him to run for president in the country of 2.5 million people.
With over 90% of the vote, provisional results point to an unassailable lead for Gen Oligui.
Gabon’s main opposition leaders who may have given Oligui a run for his money did not take part because they had been excluded.
His contenders were former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-by-Nze,, Stéphane Germain Iloko and Alain Simplice Boungouères who were members of Bongo’s party.
Announcing the results, Interior Minister Hermann Immongault declared Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema elected Gabon’s president after polling 575,222 votes, ahead of his nearest challenger Bilie-by-Nze who garnered over 3% of the ballot.
Immongault said the election was free, fair and transparent and took place peacefully despite isolated complaints of irregularities.
In some instances polling began well after the scheduled time while prospective voters were unale to figure out where to vote.
Bilie-by-Nze said there may be instances of ballot-stuffing.
WN/as/APA