Gabon presidential frontrunner hopes for fresh start after coup

An estimated 1 million Gabonese citizens will today vote in the first presidential election since an August 2023 coup ended the 55-year Bongo family dynasty.

- Eromo Egbejule

For Brice Nguema, the junta leader turned civilian head of state, it is a chance to fulfil his yearning for democratic credentials.

Last November, almost 860,000 registered voters approved a referendum for a new constitution with two seven-year presidential terms and an amnesty for participants in the removal of Ali Bongo, who had succeeded his father in 2009.

Officials are yet to release data on the updated voters' register but previously said they expected an additional 300,000 registrations, including from those who have recently come of age. Observer missions are already in place, including that of the eight-person Commonwealth team led by Danny Faure, the former president of Seychelles.

Four independents are in the race for president, but analysts say the favourite is Nguema. Since coming to power, the 50-year-old has styled himself as an anti-corruption crusader who had to resort to a coup to end an unpopular dynasty, despite also being a cousin to Bongo.