Gabon’s constitutional court confirms General Oligui Nguema’s victory in the April 12 presidential election, where he secured nearly 95% of the votes. His main opponent alleged misuse of state resources during the campaign, a claim denied by the government. The election witnessed a turnout of 70.11%, and Oligui Nguema is set to be inaugurated on May 3, marking a critical period in the country’s political landscape post-coup.
In a significant political development, Gabon’s constitutional court has affirmed the victory of General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema in the recent presidential election held on April 12. Oligui Nguema, currently serving as Gabon’s interim president following a coup earlier this year, garnered 58,074 votes, representing an impressive 94.85% of the total votes cast, as reported by the Constitutional Court. This marks a notable increase of nearly 5% compared to the preliminary results released shortly after the election by the Interior Ministry.
Oligui Nguema’s main competitor, the former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, fell far behind, securing just 3% of the votes. Interestingly, the other six contenders failed to surpass the 1% mark. Bilie-By-Nze alleged that Oligui Nguema had misused state resources during his campaign—a claim the government rejects adamantly. Local election observers assessed the election process positively, finding it satisfactory across nearly all monitored polling stations.
The Constitutional Court reported an election turnout of 70.11%, slightly lower than the 87.21% figure indicated by the Interior Ministry’s provisional count announced immediately post-election. Approximately 920,000 registered voters participated, including over 28,000 from abroad, across more than 3,000 polling sites. This election was particularly significant for Gabon, representing its first since the military coup that dismantled a political dynasty lasting five decades.
Oligui Nguema, who previously led the Republican Guard, originally ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba almost two years ago. As he looks to take a firm hold on power, he anticipates being inaugurated for a seven-year term on May 3. The context of this election amid Gabon’s struggle with poverty—despite considerable oil wealth—underscores its potential impact on the nation’s future.
In summary, General Oligui Nguema’s confirmed victory by the Gabonese constitutional court signals a pivotal moment for the nation. The election, held post-coup, saw high voter participation amid controversies regarding campaign fairness. As Oligui Nguema sets to assume a seven-year term, the implications for Gabon’s governance and socioeconomic conditions remain a focal point for observers.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
