Election date follows a referendum on a new constitution portrayed as key to re-establishing democratic rule
09 January 2025 - 17:39
byGerauds Wilfired Obangome
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Gabon coup leader and interim president Gen Brice Oligui Nguema. File photo: REUTERS
Libreville — Gabon’s transitional leader Brice Oligui Nguema said on Thursday that the central African country would hold a presidential election on March 22.
Nguema was sworn in as interim leader in September 2023, after his junta ousted President Ali Bongo in the eighth coup in West and Central Africa since 2020.
The Gabonese largely welcomed the military’s ousting of Bongo, whose family’s poor management of the country’s oil wealth had led to a stagnant economy and stranded a third of the population in poverty.
Nguema’s announcement of the election date follows a referendum on a new constitution in November that was portrayed as a key step towards re-establishing democratic rule after Bongo was ousted.
Some observers have been concerned that the process could favour interim authorities. While transitional leaders are barred from running for the presidency, an exception has been made for Nguema.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Gabon announces presidential election on March 22
Election date follows a referendum on a new constitution portrayed as key to re-establishing democratic rule
Libreville — Gabon’s transitional leader Brice Oligui Nguema said on Thursday that the central African country would hold a presidential election on March 22.
Nguema was sworn in as interim leader in September 2023, after his junta ousted President Ali Bongo in the eighth coup in West and Central Africa since 2020.
The Gabonese largely welcomed the military’s ousting of Bongo, whose family’s poor management of the country’s oil wealth had led to a stagnant economy and stranded a third of the population in poverty.
Nguema’s announcement of the election date follows a referendum on a new constitution in November that was portrayed as a key step towards re-establishing democratic rule after Bongo was ousted.
Some observers have been concerned that the process could favour interim authorities. While transitional leaders are barred from running for the presidency, an exception has been made for Nguema.
Reuters
Gabon votes on new constitution in move towards democratic rule
Africa’s coup trend rattles bonds and investors
Gabon junta appoints opposition leader as interim prime minister
UN offers to support Gabon return to civilian rule
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