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Gabon awaits results in its first legislative and local elections after the 2023 military coup | Chattanooga Times Free Press

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 7:38 GMT by Chattanooga Times Free Press
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Gabon Prepares for a Milestone Election After the 2023 Military Coup

In a country that has long been seen as one of Africa’s political outliers, Gabon is standing on the brink of a historic transition. The nation is set to hold its first legislative and local elections since the military coup that toppled President Ali Bongo Ondimba in January 2023. The Times Free Press has taken a close look at the unfolding events, drawing on multiple sources to give a comprehensive picture of what lies ahead for Gabon’s political future.

The Coup That Shook a Stable South‑African Republic

Gabon’s political landscape has been dominated by the Bongo family for over four decades, with Ali Bongo succeeding his father, Omar Bongo, in 2009. The 2023 coup, carried out by elements within the Gabonese Armed Forces, was a seismic shock to a country that had previously been considered a model of stability in sub‑Saharan Africa. The military cited corruption, economic mismanagement, and a lack of democratic reforms as reasons for its intervention. In the weeks that followed, the junta announced a roadmap for a return to civilian rule, with an emphasis on electoral legitimacy and constitutional reform.

The Times Free Press article notes that the junta’s spokesperson, Brigadier General André-Michel Mamba, emphasized the need for a “transparent, credible and inclusive” election process. The military also pledged to reform the constitution, a task that is crucial in a country where the 1991 constitution still allows the president to serve an unlimited number of terms and heavily favors the executive branch.

Election Dates and Structure

According to the government’s schedule, Gabon will conduct its legislative elections on February 10, 2025. These elections will determine the composition of the National Assembly, the country’s unicameral legislative body. In addition to the national vote, the country will hold local elections on the same day to elect municipal councilors, a first in Gabon’s history, as the previous local elections were canceled in 2018.

The Times Free Press reports that the electoral commission—now overseen by an interim civilian panel appointed by the junta—has set a voter registration deadline of January 25. In an effort to broaden participation, the commission will launch a nationwide voter education campaign, including radio broadcasts and community workshops, especially in rural areas where voter turnout has historically lagged.

Stakeholders and Political Dynamics

The political field in Gabon has become highly fragmented since the coup. On the one hand, the opposition has coalesced around the “Union for Gabon” coalition, which brings together several parties that had been suppressed under Bongo’s regime. The coalition’s spokesperson, Ms. Anna Nzou, has been vocal about the need for a “new political culture” that will break the century‑old dominance of the Bongo family.

On the other side, the former ruling party, the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), has re‑branded itself as the “National Unity Party” (PNU) in an attempt to regain legitimacy. The PNU’s leadership claims that the party will remain a cornerstone of the new political order, provided it embraces democratic norms.

In addition, a new political movement, “Gabon for the Future,” has emerged from civil society groups, calling for a clean electoral system that includes robust oversight by independent observers.

Internationally, the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have called for the elections to be conducted with “strict adherence to international standards.” The European Union (EU) has pledged to support the electoral commission through technical assistance and monitoring. Meanwhile, the United States has issued a statement encouraging transparency and the protection of voter rights.

Logistical Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite the optimistic timeline, several logistical hurdles remain. The Times Free Press cites a report from the International Republican Institute that highlights the risk of low voter turnout, especially in rural districts where the majority of the population lives. Poor infrastructure, such as unpaved roads and limited electricity, may hamper the timely delivery of ballot boxes.

Security is another concern. Although the military has promised to maintain order, several opposition leaders have warned that the armed forces may exert undue influence on the electoral process. The Times Free Press article includes a direct quote from the National Assembly’s deputy speaker, who cautioned that “the military’s presence must be purely ceremonial to preserve the integrity of the elections.”

To address these issues, the interim government has announced a partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to train polling staff and improve logistical coordination. The IOM’s involvement is expected to streamline the distribution of voting materials and ensure that all polling stations are adequately staffed.

Potential Outcomes and Their Implications

If the elections are conducted peacefully and the results are credible, Gabon could become the first African nation in the last 15 years to transition from a military coup to a fully elected civilian government. This would set a precedent for other nations grappling with democratic deficits.

Conversely, any irregularities or post‑election violence could erode the legitimacy of the newly elected bodies and reopen the possibility of military intervention. The Times Free Press notes that the opposition’s demands for an independent electoral watchdog are key to preventing such a scenario. An independent body would monitor voter rolls, ballot handling, and the final counting process.

The outcome of the local elections will also be pivotal. The introduction of municipal councils could decentralize governance and bring public services closer to Gabon’s citizens. Successful local governance structures could, in turn, reinforce national stability by giving citizens a tangible sense of participation.

Conclusion

Gabon’s forthcoming legislative and local elections represent a crucible for its democratic future. The Times Free Press has meticulously tracked the preparations, from the election timetable and stakeholder mobilization to the logistical and security challenges that lie ahead. As the nation stands on the cusp of a new chapter, the world will be watching closely to see whether Gabon can translate the promise of an inclusive electoral process into a lasting, democratic governance structure.

The country’s ability to deliver a transparent, credible, and peaceful election will not only determine its own political trajectory but could also serve as a beacon for other African states striving to reconcile military influence with civilian rule. With international observers, civil society vigilance, and an engaged electorate, Gabon has the opportunity to transform a turbulent coup into a successful democratic transition.