Gabonese authorities say the temporary result of Saturday’s presidential election – the first time since the 2023 coup – will be famous later on Sunday.
Coup planner Brice Oligui Nguema changed the constitution to enable him to take office as president.
Prior to the election, critics believed that the Constitution and election regulations were designed to bring comfortable avenues for military personnel.
The August 2023 coup ended the Bongo dynasty, which has been in power for more than fifty years.
Some opposition heavyweights could have severely challenged Oligui Nguema in the polls and were left out of the game.
There are eight hopes of becoming president, with only one woman participating in the competition – Gninga Chaning Zenaba.
Other presidential challengers include former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-by-Nze, who served under the Bongo regime, as well as two staunch figures in the former ruling PDG party, Stéphane Germain Iloko and Alan Simple Boungouères.
Those who win the election will bear the burden of corruption, bad governance and other ills that undermine the time Bongos is in power.
Coming out Saturday at some of the capital’s polling stations, Libreville, seemed high, and voters eager to vote were in a long line.
The election is largely peaceful, with some observers and candidates praising the poll’s actions.
Earlier in the day, Oligui Nguema said what he called transparent elections would bring the country and its people into a new republic.
However, Bilie-By-Nze claims there are some problems at the polling station that could lead to fraud.
Small Central African countries, rich in oil and wood, have homes of only 2.5 million people. Despite the resources, about 35% of the population remains below the poverty line of $2 (£1.50) per day.
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