Gabon’s presidential campaign season began on Saturday, with candidates working to win public support before the April 12 elections. The National Commission for the Organization and Coordination of Elections and Referendum announced that the 14-day campaign period will end on April 11.
Eight candidates are competing for the presidency. Transition President Oligui Nguema, who led the military coup that removed President Ali Bongo in August 2023, is seeking to extend his leadership. Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, former prime minister under Bongo’s government, is seen as his strongest competitor. Zenaba Gninga Chaning, the only female candidate, is also in the race, hoping to make her mark in a traditionally male-dominated space.
Nguema is running under the Rally of Builders, a coalition backed by several political parties and civil society groups. His platform focuses on consolidating reforms started during the transition. He promises to strengthen Gabon’s economic independence, improve public policies, and reduce youth unemployment.
On Friday, Angelique Ngoma, secretary general of the former ruling Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), expressed her party’s support for Nguema. She cited his “positive record” during the transition. Analysts believe that Nguema formed the Rally of Builders to distance himself from the previous regime and address concerns about continuity with Bongo’s government.
Nguema has pledged to ensure a transparent and peaceful electoral process. He views the elections as a crucial step toward restoring constitutional order and strengthening democratic institutions.
As campaigns gain momentum, the Movement of Committed Women of Civil Society has urged candidates to focus on gender equality and women’s economic empowerment. In a statement on Friday, the group stressed that candidates seeking women’s votes must outline clear policies that promote inclusivity.
The elections will be conducted under a new constitutional framework adopted in November 2023 through a referendum. The revised Constitution removed the position of prime minister and introduced a seven-year presidential term, renewable once.
Nguema, a former commander of the Republican Guard, has positioned himself as a reformer since taking power. However, the upcoming elections will determine whether the public trusts him to lead Gabon beyond the transition.