• Brice Oligui Nguema secures a decisive victory with 90.35% of the vote.
• The election marks Gabon's first since the 2023 military coup that ended Bongo's dynasty.
• Voter turnout was reported at 87.21% from approximately 920,000 registered voters.

Brice Oligui Nguema, the military leader who orchestrated the 2023 coup in Gabon, has been declared the winner of the presidential election, achieving an overwhelming 90.35% of the votes according to provisional results announced by the Interior Ministry. This victory represents a significant consolidation of power for Nguema, who is set to lead the nation following decades of Bongo family rule, which lasted over 50 years. Interior Minister Hermann Immongault confirmed that Nguema received over 575,000 votes, with his closest competitor, Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, receiving only 3.02% of the total votes cast, making it a clear landslide in favor of the interim president, according to Le Monde.

The election, occurring under the newly adopted constitution, included eight candidates and saw a voter turnout of 87.21%. Approximately 920,000 people participated in this historic election, with reports indicating the voting process was largely peaceful and well-observed, a stark contrast to previous elections that were marred by violence. The election was viewed as a crucial step in transitioning Gabon back to civilian rule after the military takeover prompted by discontent over the previous administration, according to BBC.

Many Gabonese citizens have expressed hope that Nguema's presidency will address pressing issues such as relieving poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure needs. Elodie Koby, a student, emphasized the urgent demand for job opportunities as a priority for the younger generation. Other voters, such as Geneviève Dewuno Edou, underscored the necessity for improvements in living conditions for those in economically disadvantaged areas, illustrating the widespread expectation for change among the populace, according to Africanews.

Brice Oligui Nguema's promises include diversifying Gabon's economy beyond its dependence on oil, as nearly one-third of the country's population continues to live below the poverty line despite its significant natural wealth. Observers have noted that while there is cautious optimism surrounding his presidency, skepticism remains over whether he can genuinely break from the entrenched practices of the Bongo era, given his previous ties to the former regime. International observers are monitoring the transition closely, particularly as the nation faces considerable economic challenges and expectations, according to Al Jazeera.