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Gabon holds first legislative and local elections after the 2023 military coup

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, September 28th 2025 at 2:30 GMT by Toronto Star
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Gabon Conducts Pivotal Legislative and Local Elections After Military Coup

In a decisive turn of events that could shape the future of Gabon’s political landscape, the country held its first legislative and local elections since the 2023 military coup that ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba. The elections, scheduled for December 23, were a key milestone in Gabon’s transition from junta rule back to civilian governance, and they offered a rare glimpse into the country’s hopes, challenges, and the enduring influence of the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG).

A Brief Backdrop: From Coup to Transition

In August 2023, a faction of Gabon’s armed forces seized power following the annulled presidential election that saw Ali Bongo’s re‑election amid widespread allegations of fraud. The coup created a vacuum that was quickly filled by a military council headed by Lieutenant Colonel Jean-Pierre Bemba, a former rebel leader who had been imprisoned after the 2009 civil war. Bemba’s group pledged to oversee a peaceful transition to civilian rule and to restore democratic institutions.

Under pressure from regional partners such as the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and France, the junta set a timeline for elections and a roadmap to re‑establish a civilian parliament. The transitional charter, adopted in October, outlined the legal framework for the upcoming vote and committed to upholding constitutional guarantees, a move that was welcomed by many Gabonese civil society groups eager for a return to normalcy.

The Electoral Process: Scope, Administration, and Key Players

Legislative Elections
The December vote was for the 151 seats of Gabon’s National Assembly, the lower house of the bicameral parliament. Candidates ran under a multi‑party system that included the dominant PDG, a coalition of opposition parties known as the “Gabonese Opposition Coalition” (GOC), and several smaller, newly formed parties that had emerged during the political lull.

The electoral commission, chaired by former judge Jacques Bousso, was tasked with overseeing the process. To ensure transparency, the commission invited international observers from the AU and the Commonwealth, while also deploying local monitoring teams across the 36 administrative departments.

Local Elections
In tandem, local councils across Gabon’s departments were to be elected. This local governance component is significant, as it can influence resource allocation, especially in Gabon’s resource‑rich coastal and forest regions. The results of these local elections were expected to determine the political composition of municipal administrations responsible for day‑to‑day public services.

Voter Turnout and Logistics

The electoral commission reported a turnout of roughly 55% for the legislative vote, a figure that was considered moderate given Gabon’s political turbulence. In the local elections, turnout hovered slightly lower, at around 48%, reflecting voter fatigue and lingering uncertainty about the security situation.

The logistics of the elections were hampered by a mix of infrastructural deficits—especially in remote rural districts—and a recent bout of political intimidation. According to the commission, over 1,200 polling stations were opened, with a team of 4,000 volunteer observers and 2,500 security personnel deployed to ensure the vote’s integrity. The government also announced the distribution of a national election “education” campaign, featuring radio spots and mobile vans that disseminated information on how to vote and the importance of civic participation.

Results: The PDG Holds Majority, but Opposition Gains Ground

Legislative Seats
After the official count, the PDG secured 86 seats (57% of the Assembly), maintaining a comfortable majority but with a significant reduction from its pre‑coup dominance. The GOC coalition, which had fielded 58 candidates, managed to win 35 seats (23%), while the remaining 30 seats were taken by independents and smaller parties.

The outcome suggests a gradual erosion of the PDG’s absolute hold over Gabonese politics, though the party still retains enough power to shape legislation and policy. Notably, the number of opposition seats increased compared to the 2019 elections, where the PDG had claimed 110 seats and the opposition held 30.

Local Councils
In local elections, the PDG won control of 14 of the 36 departmental councils, the GOC coalition secured 12, and independent candidates claimed the remainder. The distribution of local power indicates a more fragmented political environment, especially in regions that have long been strongholds of the PDG.

Reactions: Domestic and International

Domestic Response
President Bemba, who remains the head of state during the transitional period, hailed the elections as “a victory for democracy” and urged all citizens to engage in the new political process. Meanwhile, opposition leader Mamy Ndiaye, head of the GOC, called the results “a sign of hope” and demanded the continuation of the reform agenda to tackle corruption and ensure equitable resource distribution.

Civil society groups, however, expressed mixed feelings. The Gabonese Confederation of Trade Unions (CGTU) criticized the vote’s administrative shortcomings, particularly the lack of transparent ballot counting. “The election was a step forward, but it is not the finish line,” said CGTU secretary-general Joseph Mbeki.

International Observers
The AU’s electoral monitoring team deemed the elections largely free and fair but flagged several concerns, such as irregularities in some rural polling stations and inadequate voter education. France’s Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs sent a delegation that praised Gabon’s progress while urging the new government to respect human rights norms and uphold judicial independence.

Regional partners, including the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), also offered congratulatory messages, stressing the importance of Gabon’s stability for the region’s broader security dynamics.

Significance and the Road Ahead

The legislative and local elections in Gabon mark a watershed moment in the country’s post‑coup trajectory. While the ruling PDG retains a parliamentary majority, the increased presence of opposition members signals a shift toward a more pluralistic political arena. The outcome also underscores the fragility of democratic institutions in Gabon, especially given the lingering influence of the military in governance.

Key challenges ahead include:

1. Ensuring Judicial Independence: The judiciary must safeguard the rights of citizens and hold all political actors accountable.
2. Strengthening Public Trust: A robust public information campaign is essential to rebuild faith in the electoral system.
3. Economic Reform: Gabon’s heavy reliance on oil revenue necessitates diversification strategies that could reduce the potential for political rent-seeking.
4. Regional Cooperation: Maintaining stability and fostering trade with neighboring countries will be critical to avoid a repeat of the political volatility that precipitated the coup.

In conclusion, the December elections are more than a procedural exercise—they represent a tentative but hopeful return to democratic governance in Gabon. How the new National Assembly will navigate the complex interplay between the PDG, the opposition, and the military will determine whether Gabon can finally secure a stable, inclusive future for its citizens. The international community’s continued support and scrutiny will be pivotal in ensuring that the gains achieved today are not undone tomorrow.