Gabon’s military leader Gen BRICE OLIGUI NGUEMA – who in 2023 led a coup that ended a near-60-year dynasty – has won the presidential election with more than 90% of the vote.

Ahead of the vote, critics argued that the new constitution and electoral code were designed to give Oligui Nguema a comfortable pathway to the top job.

Some opposition heavyweights who could have posed a serious political challenge were excluded from the race.

His election victory consolidates his grip on power, nearly two years after he allegedly masterminded the demise of President ALI BONGO, whose family had been in power in Gabon since 1967.