Brice Oligui Nguema emerged victorious in Gabon’s first presidential election following the 2023 military coup. He received 94.85% of the votes. Interest in the poll was high, with the country recording its highest voter turnout in decades.
On 12 April 2025, the Gabonese Republic held its presidential election, the first since the 2023 military coup that ended the Bongo family's 56-year rule. The polls marked a pivotal political moment in Gabon’s transition from military rule to civilian governance.
The 2025 election featured eight candidates, including transitional president Brice Oligui Nguema, who ran as an independent under the "Rally of Builders" platform. Nguema's campaign was characterised by significant resources and a focus on his leadership during the transitional period. His main challenger was Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, a former prime minister who sought to distance himself from the Bongo administration and presented himself as a candidate for change.
Brice Oligui Nguema emerged as the decisive winner, securing 94.85% of the vote, with a voter turnout of approximately 70%, the highest in decades. His victory underscored the consolidation of his leadership but also raised questions about the future of democratic governance in Gabon.
Observers from international organisations, including the African Union and the Commonwealth, monitored the election. While the process was largely deemed transparent, concerns remained about the inclusivity and fairness of the electoral framework.
Women’s Participation
In the 2025 presidential polls, Ms Zenaba Gninga Chaning was the sole female contender. Following the elections, she was appointed as one of 10 female ministers in the 28-member cabinet:
Following the transitional period, women's representation in Gabon's legislative bodies is notable, with the Transitional National Assembly comprising 25.5% women and the Transitional Senate 20.3% female members. Prior to the 2023 coup, women’s representation in the National Assembly was 14.7% and 23.9% in the Senate.
The leadership of Gabon's Senate remains a stronghold for women. Paulette Missambo currently holds the position of President of the Transitional Senate, an appointment she received on September 11, 2023. This marks a significant continuation of female leadership, as she succeeds Lucie Milebou-Aubusson, who also served with distinction in the same role until the conclusion of her term on September 10, 2023. This seamless transition from one female leader to another underscores the enduring and prominent role of women at the highest levels of Gabon's Senate.
Legal Reforms and Challenges to Women’s Political Participation
Under Nguema's leadership, the transitional government committed to organising transparent, free, and fair elections. In pursuit of this goal, authorities proposed electoral reforms to increase transparency and rebuild public trust in the democratic process. These reforms include measures to address previous criticisms of electoral misconduct and voter disenfranchisement.
A new constitution was approved in November 2024, establishing a presidential system with strong executive powers, removing the prime minister position, and adding two vice presidents. Electoral reforms simplified processes and improved transparency for the 2025 elections. The changes introduced a seven-year presidential term, renewable once, and banned presidential family members from running for the presidency.
In 2025, the Electoral Code established that at least 30% of candidates for the national assembly, senate, local councils and boards must be women. The quota applies to all political parties and independent candidates’ lists.
Despite these advancements, women in Gabon continue to face significant challenges in the political arena. Cultural norms and stereotypes often discourage women from pursuing political careers, while the high cost of campaigning and limited access to financial resources create additional barriers. Political violence and harassment, both online and offline, further deter women from entering or remaining in politics.
Gender quotas were established to ensure a minimum level of female participation in parliament and other political institutions. While these quotas have led to some improvements, their implementation has been inconsistent, and women remain underrepresented in decision-making roles.
For example, prior to the 2023 coup, women held 25 out of 98 seats in the National Assembly and 14 out of 69 seats in the Senate. While these numbers represented progress compared to earlier decades, they fell short of achieving gender parity. The transitional government established after the coup did not prioritise gender representation, further highlighting the need for stronger enforcement of gender quotas.
Institutional barriers also persist, with political parties often failing to prioritise gender equality in their leadership structures and candidate selection processes. The lack of targeted policies to support female candidates and address systemic inequalities further exacerbates the problem.
Women in Gabon advocating for change
The role of women in Gabonese politics has been shaped by a complex interplay of cultural, social, and institutional factors. While Gabon has made strides in gender equality in some areas, the political sphere remains a challenging domain for women to navigate.
The early 1990s saw the introduction of multi-party democracy in Gabon. One notable milestone during this period was the appointment of Rose Francine Rogombé as the President of the Senate in 2009. Rogombé later served as the interim President of Gabon following the death of President Omar Bongo Ondimba, becoming the first woman to hold the country’s highest office, albeit temporarily. Her leadership was a symbolic moment for women in Gabonese politics, demonstrating their potential to lead at the highest levels.
Outside of formal political institutions, women in Gabon have played significant roles in civil society and grassroots movements. Women’s organisations have been instrumental in advocating for gender equality, social justice, and economic empowerment. These groups have also served as platforms for women to develop leadership skills and engage in political activism.
Prominent women leaders in Gabon have also emerged in other sectors, such as business, education, and healthcare, challenging traditional gender roles and paving the way for greater participation in public life. Their contributions have helped to shift societal perceptions of women’s capabilities and potential.
Conclusion
In the 2025 presidential polls in Gabon, Brice Oligui Nguema was declared the winner. While the electoral process was deemed transparent, there were concerns about inclusivity, fairness and the future of democratic governance in Gabon.
Of the eight presidential contenders, there was one female candidate. When the newly elected president presented his government, there were 10 female ministers, one of whom was Ms Zenaba Gninga Chaning, the only female candidate.
Gabon’s history of women’s political participation reflects both significant progress and ongoing challenges. Milestones like Rose Francine Rogombé’s leadership and the introduction of gender quotas highlight the potential for change, yet true gender equality in politics remains an unmet goal.
The April 2025 presidential election in Gabon marked a pivotal moment, symbolising the end of one era and the start of another. As the nation moves forward, the challenge lies in turning promises of democratic renewal into meaningful improvements for its citizens.