Former Gabon Prime Minister Critiques Election Outcomes Post-Coup

Following Gabon’s presidential election, former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze condemned the result as unfree and opaque. He lost to Oligui Nguema, who received 90.35% of the votes in the nation’s first election following the 2023 military coup. Nguema aims to establish a firm grip on power for a seven-year term, while Bilie-By-Nze plans to remain politically active despite his defeat.

In Gabon’s recent presidential election, former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, who lost, criticized the election as lacking transparency and fairness. He stated, “What we experienced on Saturday, April 12 was not a free election,” indicating concerns over the misuse of state resources during the campaign. Bilie-By-Nze received only 3% of the votes, a significant loss to Oligui Nguema, who won with 90.35% against seven candidates.

This election marked Gabon’s first since the military coup in 2023, viewed as critical for the nation’s 2.3 million citizens, one-third of whom live in poverty despite abundant oil resources. Oligui Nguema, having led the coup against Ali Bongo Ondimba, aims to solidify his power during a seven-year term.

Despite the loss, Bilie-By-Nze, who briefly served under Bongo, expressed support for the new leadership while affirming his intention to continue his political career, thus indicating a commitment to the political landscape in Gabon post-election.

The aftermath of Gabon’s presidential election reveals significant political tensions, highlighted by Bilie-By-Nze’s criticisms citing election malpractice. Oligui Nguema’s substantial victory indicates a shift in power dynamics following the military coup of 2023. As Gabon navigates its political future, the reactions from key figures like Bilie-By-Nze suggest an ongoing commitment to political engagement despite deep-seated concerns about electoral integrity.

Original Source: www.wral.com