In Gabon, more than 900,000 voters are casting their ballots today, Saturday, September 27, in legislative and local elections — the first since the start of the military-led transition. Polling stations are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time, following a calm campaign period.
Voters are electing lawmakers in a two-round system and local councilors in a single-round vote. The elections come six months after General Brice Clothaire Oligui Nguema won the presidency with nearly 95% support, ushering in Gabon’s new Fifth Republic under a strong presidential system.
Over 800 candidates are competing for 145 parliamentary seats, though analysts say the new assembly is expected to reflect different shades of support for Nguema rather than stark political divides. His party, the Democratic Union of Builders, faces competition from the once-dominant Gabonese Democratic Party of former president Ali Bongo.
As Gabon continues its transition, the outcome of today’s vote will be a key test of political balance, even within a largely pro-transition landscape.
