LIBREVILLE, Gabon (AP) — The former prime minister of Gabon, Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, expressed his strong discontent over the outcome of the presidential election held on April 12, 2025. In a statement to the press on Monday morning, he criticized the election as opaque and unfree, claiming it represented a considerable misuse of state resources in favor of the victor. "What we experienced on Saturday was not a free election," Bilie-By-Nze stated, emphasizing that this was an unprecedented occurrence in his political career.

In this election, former Republican Guard head Oligui Nguema emerged with an overwhelming victory, securing 90.35% of the votes against seven other candidates. Bilie-By-Nze, who had previously served as prime minister under former President Ali Bongo Ondimba, finished a distant second, garnering only 3% of the votes. This election marks a pivotal moment for Gabon, which has faced considerable economic challenges despite its substantial oil wealth, with approximately one-third of its 2.3 million citizens living in poverty.

This presidential election was the first since the military coup that took place in August 2023, which ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba and ended the long-standing political dynasty initiated by Bongo's father, Omar Bongo. The coup was noted for its bloodless execution and led to Nguema's promise of consolidating power for a potential seven-year term in office.

Despite his electoral defeat, Bilie-By-Nze extended his best wishes to the new leadership and reaffirmed his commitment to remaining active in politics. His statements highlight concerns regarding the integrity and transparency of Gabon's electoral process, raising questions about the future of democracy in the nation following the recent military transition.