Gabon: Vote counting under way after first presidential elections 2023 since military coup | DW News

Key Concepts:

• Presidential election in Gabon after the 2023 coup
• Interim President Brice Oligui Nguema
• Fairness of the election
• Dynastic rule and its end
• Military regimes in Francophone Africa
• Transition to civilian rule

Election Overview and Fairness:

Vote counting is underway in Gabon following the presidential election, the first since the military coup in 2023 that ousted President Ali Bongo. Interim President Brice Oligui Nguema, who led the coup, is widely expected to win. The interior ministry reported a voter turnout of over 87%, with interim results expected later on Sunday. While some election monitors claimed they were denied access to polling stations, journalist Paul Melly from Chatham House assesses the election as "broadly fair," though not a "perfect democratic test." He acknowledges that flaws and pressures are inevitable in the transition from a long period of rule by the Bongo family (over five decades). Melly argues that this election is significantly more democratic than the previous presidential elections in 2009, 2016, and 2023, which he deems not credible and aimed at perpetuating the Bongo family's regime.

Brice Oligui Nguema's Popularity:

Interim President Brice Oligui Nguema is a strong favorite to win the election due to two main factors:

1. End of Dynastic Rule: The new constitution, introduced under Oligui Nguema's oversight, bans dynastic succession, preventing members of an incumbent president's family from standing as their successor. This has been a very popular move.
2. Different Approach Compared to Other Military Regimes: Oligui Nguema has adopted a different approach than other military regimes in Francophone Africa. He has broadly overseen pluralistic politics, open debate, and discussion about the way forward. He has also kept to his initial promise of a tight timetable for the transition to civilian rule, even bringing it forward by a few months. This contrasts with the situations in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea, where the timelines for restoring elected civilian rule are unclear.

Generational Change and Economic Measures:

Although Ali Bongo wasn't particularly old, his family's long rule made it difficult to convey a sense of change in a country like Gabon, where a large proportion of the population is young. Oligui Nguema's takeover, coupled with popular and pragmatic economic measures, has signaled change and resonated with the population.

Conclusion:

The Gabonese election represents a key test of the military-led government's commitment to returning power to civilians. While not without flaws, the election is considered broadly fair and a significant improvement over previous elections. Brice Oligui Nguema's popularity stems from his ending dynastic rule and adopting a more open and pragmatic approach compared to other military regimes in the region. His actions, including the new constitution and economic measures, have resonated with a population eager for change.