Brice Oligui Nguema, the leader of Gabon’s recent coup, is vying for a seven-year presidential term in an election viewed as largely in his favor. His campaign emphasizes economic diversification and addressing basic services issues, particularly power cuts. His main challenger, Alain Claude Bilie By Nze, faces challenges distancing himself from the previous administration. Voter registration includes approximately 900,000 individuals within Gabon and an additional 28,000 abroad.
In Gabon, coup leader Brice Oligui Nguema is positioning himself for a potential seven-year presidential term as the country approaches its election. Having overthrown President Ali Bongo 19 months ago, Nguema presents himself as an agent of change, seeking to eliminate corruption associated with the former regime. As interim leader, he has campaigned under the slogan “We Build Together,” emphasizing economic diversification and poverty alleviation in the oil-dependent nation.
Polling is set to take place on Saturday, with stations opening at 7 a.m. and closing at 6 p.m. Results are expected to be announced on Sunday. Nguema’s principal opponent is Alain Claude Bilie By Nze, the former prime minister, who is attempting to detach himself from the Bongo family while questioning the military leader’s qualifications for governance. Following a new constitution that permits Nguema’s candidacy, analysts observe a prevailing public sentiment favoring the coup and Nguema’s visibility during the campaign.
The election sees nearly 900,000 registered voters within Gabon’s population of 2.5 million, along with 28,000 voters abroad. While the economy has shown growth driven by infrastructure and commodity production, citizens express urgent concerns regarding basic needs such as reliable electricity. As articulated by a local electrician, “We don’t want to have this anymore, these daily power cuts,” highlighting the fundamental issues adequate services pose for voters in the election.
Brice Oligui Nguema is poised to secure a significant electoral mandate in Gabon’s upcoming presidential election, following a successful coup that resonated with many citizens. His focus on transforming the economy and addressing critical public service deficiencies underscores his campaign strategy. Conversely, his opponent’s connections to the previous regime may hinder his efforts to present a viable challenge, leaving Nguema as the favored candidate ahead of the polls.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
