LIBREVILLE, Gabon (BG) – Brice Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s interim president, has won the country’s first presidential election since the 2023 coup that ended decades of dynastic rule by the Bongo family.

Provisional results announced by Gabon’s Interior Ministry on Sunday reveal that Nguema secured an overwhelming 90.35% of the vote, defeating his closest rival, Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, who garnered just 3.02%.

The remaining six candidates each garnered less than 1%.

With a population of over 2.4 million, voter turnout stood at 70.4%, with 920,000 registered voters, including more than 28,000 overseas.

“Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema is elected [president] by absolute majority of votes cast, with 575,222 votes,” Interior Minister Hermann Immongault announced.

The April 12 election marked a major milestone for the oil-rich Central African nation as it transitions back to constitutional rule.

According to international observers, the election process was transparent and peaceful, marking a significant improvement compared to the tensions that marred previous elections.

Nguema, who led the 2023 coup against former President Ali Bongo Ondimba, campaigned on promises of reform and anti-corruption measures.

His victory solidifies his grip on power for a seven-year term.

While international observers praised the smooth conduct of the election, critics have raised concerns about Nguema’s ties to the previous regime.

His public crackdown on corruption and efforts to reshape Gabon’s political landscape have resonated with many voters.