Polls open in Gabon’s first presidential election since the 2023 military coup

LIBREVILLE Gabon AP Voters in Gabon headed to polling stations on Saturday in the first presidential referendum since a military coup ended a political dynasty that lasted over years Analysts have predicted an overwhelming achievement for the interim president who led the coup Particular voters including over overseas are registered to participate across more than polling stations It is a crucial electoral process for the country s million people a third of whom live in poverty despite its vast oil wealth The interim president Gen Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema toppled President Ali Bongo Ondimba two years ago He hopes to consolidate his grip on power for a seven-year term in office Following the coup he promised to return power to civilians through credible elections and declared himself a candidate last month Source