Wed Apr 09 07:57:01 UTC 2025: ## Gabon’s Junta Chief Favored in Presidential Election

**Libreville, Gabon –** Gabon holds presidential elections this Saturday, April 12th, with junta chief Brice Oligui Nguema widely expected to win. Nineteen months after leading a coup that ended the Bongo family’s five-decade rule, Oligui, 50, is campaigning under the slogan “C’BON” (a play on “It’s good” and his initials) and presenting himself as the “candidate of the people.”

Oligui’s campaign is characterized by large rallies, extensive use of billboards, and a highly visible social media presence, including dance challenges and even adopting Usain Bolt’s signature pose. However, critics accuse him of failing to address the legacy of corruption and mismanagement under the Bongos, despite his promise to return power to civilians. His main challenger, Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, the last prime minister under ousted leader Ali Bongo, is running a more subdued campaign, focusing on door-to-door interactions and highlighting Oligui’s failure to break from the Bongo era.

While Oligui enjoys significant popular support, exemplified by enthusiastic rallies and a near-ubiquitous campaign presence, concerns remain about the fairness and transparency of the process. The interior ministry has pledged to release results by April 16th, assuring a transparent ballot. However, political analyst Lysiane Neyer Kenga notes that Oligui’s campaign mirrors the Bongo family’s tactics, raising concerns about a cult of personality. The election outcome carries significant weight for a nation grappling with high poverty rates despite abundant natural resources, heavy debt (projected to reach 80% of GDP this year), and a need for significant infrastructural development. The success of the election in restoring constitutional order is also a critical issue for the nation, which has seen post-election unrest in the past.

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