Brice Oligui Nguema, the coup leader of Gabon, aims to reinforce his power in the upcoming presidential election, appealing to voters with promises of economic diversification and addressing basic utility concerns. His primary opponent, Alain Claude Bilie By Nze, seeks to distance himself from the past administration but faces challenges given his previous role. The election will occur on Saturday, with essential issues impacting voter sentiment.
The leader of Gabon’s recent coup, Brice Oligui Nguema, is preparing to consolidate his authority amidst a presidential election this Saturday. Following the overthrow of President Ali Bongo, who ruled for over fifty years, Nguema has presented himself as a reformer aiming to eliminate corruption and revitalize the economy. He promises to enhance agricultural, industrial, and tourism sectors to improve the living conditions of the impoverished population, one-third of whom live in poverty.
During his campaign, Nguema, attired in a baseball cap emblazoned with “We Build Together,” has been active across the country. He affirmed in his final rally, held in Owendo, that he has liberated the nation to instill hope among its citizens. Polling is set to commence at 7 a.m. (0600 GMT) and conclude at 6 p.m. (1700 GMT), with election results expected the following day. The victor will be granted a seven-year term, renewable once.
His primary opponent, Alain Claude Bilie By Nze, served as Prime Minister under Bongo and is attempting to dissociate himself from the previous administration. Nze has publicly questioned Nguema’s competency in governance and advocated for military personnel to return to civilian life. A newly ratified constitution has enabled Nguema’s candidacy. Observers note that Nguema’s strong campaign presence and public approval following the coup contribute to his frontrunner status.
With nearly 900,000 registered voters within the nation of approximately 2.5 million, and an additional 28,000 overseas, the upcoming election is critical. The World Bank reports Gabon’s economy saw 2.9% growth in 2024, propelled by infrastructure developments and heightened commodity production, including oil and timber. However, citizens express profound concern regarding basic utilities, particularly frequent power outages affecting daily life. One local electrician, Herve Regis Ossouami, emphasized that resolving the persistent electricity issues is a paramount concern for voters.
In conclusion, Brice Oligui Nguema is strategically positioning himself for the presidential election, following his coup against Ali Bongo. Seeking to portray himself as a proactive leader focused on economic reform, Nguema’s popularity appears bolstered by public sentiment favoring change. In contrast, Alain Claude Bilie By Nze’s affiliation with the previous regime complicates his challenge against the coup leader. Citizens’ deep-seated concerns about basic services underscore the pressing issues that may influence the election outcome.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
