Brice Oligui Nguema, the leader of Gabon's military junta, has secured a decisive victory in the country's presidential election, winning 90.35% of the vote, according to provisional results announced by the interior minister on Sunday. This landslide victory solidifies Nguema's hold on power nearly two years after he led a military revolution that ended the Bongo family's 56-year hold on power.

The election saw a notable increase in voter turnout, with 70.40% of eligible voters casting their ballots, compared to 56.65% in the contested August 2023 election that preceded the coup. Nguema's main opponent, Alain Claude Bilie By Nze, who was prime minister under President Ali Bongo at the time, secured only 3.02% of the vote, according to provisional figures.

The outcome of the election has significant implications for Gabon's economy, which has been closely watched by investors. The country has $3 billion in outstanding international bonds, and the election's credibility was seen as crucial in restoring democratic credibility. Gabon's economy grew by 2.9% in 2024, up from 2.4% the previous year, buoyed by infrastructure projects and increased output of key commodities like oil, manganese, and timber, according to the World Bank.

Throughout his campaign, Nguema has promised to reduce Gabon's dependence on oil by boosting agriculture, industry, and tourism in a country where one-third of the population lives in poverty. His election victory grants him a seven-year term under a new constitution approved in November 2024, with the possibility of one renewal. However, Nguema's ties to the former regime remain notable, and it remains to be seen whether he will deliver on his promises to break with the Bongo era, marked by allegations of elite capture of Gabon's oil wealth.

The election outcome is also being closely watched by the international community, particularly in the context of democratic governance in Africa. The African Union and other regional bodies have been pushing for democratic reforms and free and fair elections across the continent. While Nguema's victory may be seen as a consolidation of power, it also raises questions about the state of democracy in Gabon and the region as a whole.

In conclusion, Brice Oligui Nguema's landslide victory in Gabon's presidential election solidifies his hold on power and sets the stage for his administration's priorities, including reducing the country's dependence on oil and boosting economic growth. However, the election outcome also raises important questions about democratic governance and the future of democracy in Gabon and the region.