The Democratic Union of Builders (UDB), a party founded just months ago by President Brice Oligui Nguema, has emerged ahead in the opening round of legislative elections, securing 55 of the 145 seats in Gabon’s National Assembly.
This election is the first since the 2023 military coup that ended the Bongo family’s five decade rule. Former President Ali Bongo Ondimba’s party, the PDG, managed to win only three seats, while four others were shared between the UDB and PDG on joint tickets.
A decisive second round is scheduled for October 11, with 77 constituencies still up for grabs, most of them contested between the UDB and PDG, set to determine the final balance of power in parliament.
Gabon has returned to a presidential system, reinstated after Gen Oligui Nguema’s victory in April’s election under a controversial new electoral code that permitted military leaders, including himself, to run.
Although legislative authority remains relatively limited, this vote is being closely watched as a major step in Gabon’s transition back to constitutional governance.
