Gabon’s president’s party wins most seats in first legislative elections since 2023 coup
The Democratic Union of Builders , recently established by President Brice Oligui Nguema, has gained a majority in the initial round of the legislative elections, securing 55 out of 145 seats in the National Assembly.
The Democratic Union of Builders , recently established by President Brice Oligui Nguema, has gained a majority in the initial round of the legislative elections, securing 55 out of 145 seats in the National Assembly.
This election is the first legislative process following a military coup in 2023, which concluded the Bongo family's five-decade political dominance. The party of former President Ali Bongo Ondimba, the PDG, obtained only three seats, with both parties collectively holding four seats on joint tickets.
A subsequent round of voting is scheduled for Wed, Oct 11, 2023, to finalize the parliamentary composition. In this round, 77 constituencies are still undecided and are mainly contested between the UDB and PDG.
This election is the first legislative process following a military coup in 2023, which concluded the Bongo family's five-decade political dominance.
Following Gen Oligui Nguema's victory in the April presidential election, Gabon operates under a presidential system reinstated by a newly adopted electoral code. This code controversially permits military personnel, including Gen Nguema, to participate in elections.
The legislative elections, while having limited power, are considered a significant step towards Gabon's transition back to constitutional governance.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
