Brice Oligui Nguema, the coup leader of Gabon, plans to secure a seven-year presidential term in an upcoming election against Alain Claude Bilie By Nze. Promoting economic diversification, Nguema aims to address infrastructure issues, especially power cuts, affecting the populace. Citizens express significant concern over basic services despite recent economic growth, and analysts view Nguema as the leading candidate as election day approaches.
In Gabon, coup leader Brice Oligui Nguema is preparing for a presidential election scheduled for Saturday, aiming to secure a seven-year mandate. Nguema, who led the coup that ousted President Ali Bongo, has positioned himself as a reformer determined to dismantle the corrupt establishment. Having served as the interim leader since the coup, he actively campaigned under the mantra “We Build Together,” promising to diversify the economy beyond oil, targeting tourism, agriculture, and industry to alleviate poverty affecting one-third of the populace.
As polling stations are set to open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., results will be released on Sunday. Nguema’s main competitor, Alain Claude Bilie By Nze, who formerly served as Bongo’s prime minister, has attempted to distance himself from the previous regime, asserting that military leaders should “go back to their barracks.” Nevertheless, analysts regard Nguema as the frontrunner, largely due to public support for the coup and his visibility during the campaign, while questioning Nze’s efficacy in critiquing Nguema.
The election occurs amidst concerns over basic services, particularly frequent power cuts affecting residents. Nearly 900,000 voters are registered, alongside 28,000 abroad, with many expressing a lack of trust in the current state of infrastructure. Observers note that despite Gabon’s GDP growth and recovery in production, daily power outages remain a pressing issue for citizens who desire consistent access to utilities such as water and electricity.
In summary, Brice Oligui Nguema seeks to solidify his power through a presidential election after a successful coup, advocating for economic reform and improvement of basic services. Despite opposition from Alain Claude Bilie By Nze, Nguema’s faction appears favored to win amid public discontent over infrastructure. The outcome of this election may shape Gabon’s political landscape significantly in the coming years.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
