Gabon holds first legislative and local elections since 2023 coup

Gabon held its first legislative and local elections since a 2023 military coup ended a 50-year ruling political dynasty. More than 900,000 Gabonese were eligible to elect 145 members of the National Assembly and local councilors to replace officials appointed by the military following the coup. Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema toppled President Ali Bongo Ondimba, who faced accusations of irresponsible governance, and in April he won the presidential election that signaled a return to constitutional democracy. Polls closed on Saturday evening, with results expected Sunday. Observers were allowed to monitor the process.

Voting in Libreville began with a slight delay due to early morning rain, and turnout appeared steady in lines outside polling stations. In Ntoum, a suburb of Libreville, voting was canceled in one constituency because of tensions between candidates. The main parties in the race are the Gabonese Democratic Party, the former ruling party that had won every election since 1968 until the coup, and the Democratic Union of Builders, or UDB, which Oligui Nguema founded only three months ago. Several small, underfunded parties also nominated candidates. Saturday's vote will elect 145 members of the National Assembly, two of whom will represent Gabonese citizens living abroad. The local polls are for councilors, who will indirectly elect the 70 senators, mayors and presidents of regional assemblies. A second round is scheduled for Oct. 11 in constituencies where no candidate has obtained an absolute majority in the first round.

Under a presidential system, the constitution adopted by referendum last year limits the legislative powers and the parliament cannot topple the government. Gabon also approved a new electoral code earlier this year that permitted military personnel to run for office, including Oligui Nguema in the April presidential vote. Following his victory, Oligui Nguema pledged to diversify the oil-dependent economy, reform the education system and reduce youth unemployment. Gabon faces significant challenges, including high unemployment, particularly among young graduates, and gaps in infrastructure and basic services such as clean water.

France has reduced its troops in Africa, but Gabon continues to host a French military base in Libreville, with the base now shared by French and Gabonese forces, as Paris trims its footprint. The elections come as Gabon seeks to solidify civilian rule and broaden its economy after the coup and the end of a long-standing political dynasty.