Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
6h ago

Gabon Votes in First Legislative and Local Elections Since 2023 Coup

The vote marks a key test of Gabon's transition from the 2023 coup under Brice Oligui Nguema.

Gabon President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Women wait to cast their votes at a polling station in Libreville, Gabon, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Betines Makosso)
People queue to cast their ballots at a polling station in Libreville, Gabon, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Betines Makosso)
A voter has his finger inked before casting a ballot at a polling station in Libreville, Gabon, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Betines Makosso)

Overview

  • Roughly 900,000 registered voters were called to elect 145 National Assembly members, including two for the diaspora, plus just over 3,000 local and municipal councillors.
  • Officials say counting will be public in the presence of observers and the press, with first provisional results expected Sunday and runoffs set for Oct. 11 where needed.
  • The main contenders are President Oligui Nguema’s newly formed Democratic Union of Builders and the long-dominant Gabonese Democratic Party, which backs him, alongside numerous independents.
  • The opposition coalition led by Together for Gabon alleges procedural obstructions, citing unavailable proxies, absent posted electoral rolls in provinces, and opaque polling-station composition, and it warns of possible exclusion and fraud.
  • The interior ministry is running the vote and pledges a transparent process, while some town halls extended hours late Friday to distribute voter cards and allow last-minute checks of electoral lists.