Gabon is gearing up for its first presidential election since the 2023 coup that ousted former President Ali Bongo, with junta leader Brice Oligui Nguema favored to win. The election, scheduled for April 12, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the country's transition to democratic rule.

Nguema, who has held power under an authoritarian regime since the coup, has announced his intention to run for president, vowing to return power to civilians. His main opponent, Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, a former prime minister under Bongo, has distanced himself from the Bongo dynasty and is running under his own movement, "Together for Gabon".

Despite the competition, Nguema is projected to win the election, thanks to his popularity as the leader who ended the Bongo family's 56-year rule over Gabon. He has maintained a firm grip on power, with supporters occupying key positions in the senate, national parliament, and constitutional court.

Nguema's campaign has focused on the idea of Gabon rising "from the ashes" and his promise to "build this nation". This message has resonated with the country's 2.5 million people, many of whom see him as a step up from the former administration. The World Bank has reported that Gabon's economy has grown from 2.4% to 2.9% under Nguema's leadership, driven by infrastructure projects and increased production of commodities such as oil, manganese, and timber.

Gabon's political history has been marked by authoritarian rule and corruption. The Bongo family and a small elite lived in luxury financed by oil, while the majority of the population lived in poverty. Ali Bongo Ondimba, who led the country since 2009, was ousted in the 2023 coup, which disbanded state institutions and placed him under house arrest.

The upcoming election is seen as a crucial step towards democratic rule in Gabon. While Nguema's projected win may raise concerns about the country's transition to democracy, it is hoped that the election will mark a new chapter in Gabon's history, one characterized by greater accountability and transparency.

As Gabon prepares for this significant milestone, the international community will be watching closely to see if the country can successfully transition to democratic rule. The outcome of the election will have far-reaching implications for the country's future and its relations with the global community.