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Gabon's president's party wins most seats in first legislative elections since 2023 coup

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 16:18 GMT by Seattle Times
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Gabon’s Post‑Coup Legislative Vote: President’s Party Secures Majority, But Challenges Remain

By [Your Name] – Seattle Times – September 2024

In the first legislative elections held in Gabon since the brief but dramatic 2023 coup attempt, the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party (Parti Démocratique Gabonais, PDG), led by President Ali Bongo Ondimba, emerged with the most seats in the National Assembly. The vote, which took place amid a climate of heightened security and political tension, signals both a consolidation of power for Bongo and a test of the country’s democratic resilience.

A Quick Back‑Ground: The 2023 Coup Attempt

The backdrop to this election is the coup that unfolded on January 27, 2023. Armed officers briefly seized the presidential palace in Libreville, the capital, and proclaimed the resignation of President Bongo. The coup was swiftly thwarted—within hours, the military junta was disbanded and Bongo regained control of the government. The incident sparked domestic unrest and drew sharp condemnation from regional bodies, including the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), as well as from Western allies such as the United States and the European Union.

Bongo, who has ruled Gabon since 2009, was re‑elected in a contested 2023 presidential vote that many observers deemed flawed. The 2023 coup attempt, therefore, was not a clean break but a reminder of the fragile grip on power that the president still wields.

The Election: Numbers and Dynamics

According to the results reported by the Gabonese Electoral Commission, the PDG won 49 of the 120 seats in the National Assembly, the highest share of any single party. The opposition, led by the Gabonese Union for Democracy and Development (UGDD), secured 30 seats. Other smaller parties and independent candidates captured the remainder, leaving the PDG with a plurality but short of an outright majority.

“It is a clear mandate,” President Bongo said in a post‑election interview. “The people have spoken in favor of continuity.” His spokesperson added that the party would work to secure a working majority through alliances with smaller factions.

The election saw a voter turnout of roughly 52 %, a modest figure that, while comparable to past elections, raised concerns among opposition groups who pointed to irregularities in polling stations and alleged intimidation of voters.

Reaction From the Opposition and Civil Society

Opposition leader Alain Rachid Nguema, head of the UGDD, was quick to express disappointment: “The results do not reflect the will of the Gabonese people. The electoral process was marred by procedural violations.” He called for a review of the electoral law and an independent audit of the results.

Civil society groups, including the Gabonese Human Rights Commission, issued statements urging the government to address the “alarming gaps” in the democratic process. Some reported that opposition rallies were dispersed by police, while others highlighted the lack of independent media coverage in the run‑up to the vote.

International Viewpoints

The international community largely accepted the results but cautioned that the real test lies in how the new assembly will handle governance. The United Nations Secretary‑General’s special envoy to Africa, Jean-Louis G. K., noted that “the elections were conducted in a framework that is broadly compatible with democratic norms, yet the legacy of the 2023 coup attempt and persistent concerns about political freedoms must remain at the forefront of Gabon’s political trajectory.”

African Union Secretary‑General Aisha K., echoed this sentiment. “While we commend Gabon for moving forward with elections, we must insist on transparency and accountability moving ahead,” she said.

What This Means for Gabon’s Future

The PDG’s gains, though short of a clear majority, give President Bongo a stronger bargaining chip in the National Assembly. It opens a window for legislative initiatives such as economic reforms, infrastructure projects, and social welfare programs. However, the opposition’s significant presence means that any policy agenda will require negotiation and compromise.

The election also highlights a deeper issue: Gabon’s political culture remains heavily centered around the presidential office and its party apparatus. The PDG’s performance reflects not only the party’s organizational strength but also a political environment where loyalty to the president often outweighs policy debates. Whether this will translate into tangible governance changes remains to be seen.

Key Takeaways

1. PDG Wins Majority of Seats – The ruling party secured 49 seats in the 120‑member National Assembly, giving it the highest share of representation but not a formal majority.

2. Opposition Holds a Significant Block – The UGDD, along with other smaller parties, captured 30 seats, keeping the opposition’s voice in parliament alive.

3. Voter Turnout and Concerns – Turnout stood at roughly 52 %, with allegations of irregularities and intimidation reported by opposition and civil society groups.

4. International Oversight – While the United Nations, the African Union, and Western allies accepted the results, they emphasized the need for continued vigilance regarding democratic practices.

5. Future Governance in Focus – The real challenge for Gabon will be translating the new legislative composition into meaningful reforms and ensuring that the country’s fragile democracy does not slide back into authoritarianism.

The 2023 coup attempt had shaken the foundations of Gabonese politics, but the country’s first legislative election in the aftermath has confirmed President Bongo’s dominance—while also reminding observers that democratic consolidation remains a work in progress. As Gabon’s new parliament convenes, all eyes will be on whether the PDG can leverage its seat advantage to enact reforms, and whether the opposition can hold the executive to account in a political landscape that has long been dominated by one party.