Gabon Holds Final Post-Coup Elections

Gabon held local and legislative elections on Saturday, marking the final stage of the political transition that began with the August 2023 coup, which ended the Bongo family’s 55-year rule.

Approximately 900,000 registered voters cast ballots to elect 145 Members of Parliament and over 3,000 local councillors.

President Brice Oligui Nguema, who seized power last year, aims to secure a strong majority for his newly formed Democratic Union of Builders (UDB) party.

While many candidates belong to the former ruling Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG)—which now supports Nguema—the opposition has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the process.

Gabon (News Central TV) — Gabon holds final post-coup elections. Credit: Al Jazeera

The opposition, led by the Together for Gabon party, denounced several electoral “obstructions,” including the late availability of voter cards and a lack of transparency in forming polling stations. They warned of a “desire to exclude part of the electorate and organise large-scale fraud.”

The Interior Ministry, which is overseeing the polls, has pledged a transparent process, including public vote counting and continuous updates of provisional results. A second round of elections is scheduled for October 11.

Author

Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.