Gabon’s political landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation, as the Democratic Union of Builders (UDB)—a party founded just months ago by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema—has surged ahead in the country’s first legislative elections since a 2023 military coup brought an end to the Bongo family’s five-decade rule. According to provisional results released by Gabon’s Interior Ministry on October 1, 2025, the UDB clinched 55 out of 145 seats in the National Assembly, setting the stage for a pivotal second round that will determine the final composition of parliament.
This election is not just another routine exercise in democracy for Gabon. It represents a watershed moment—a test of the country’s transition back to constitutional rule after the military ousted the long-entrenched Bongo dynasty. For many Gabonese, the stakes could hardly be higher. The Bongo family, led most recently by former President Ali Bongo Ondimba, had maintained a tight grip on power for half a century. That era ended abruptly with the 2023 coup, an event that sent shockwaves across Central Africa and drew international attention.
The UDB’s rise is all the more striking given the party’s youth. Founded in July 2025 by President Oligui Nguema—who himself came to power in the aftermath of the coup—the party’s rapid ascent signals both the consolidation of the new regime and the electorate’s willingness to embrace change, at least for now. As reported by the Associated Press, "The party of Gabon's president Tuesday won the most seats in the first round of the country’s first legislative elections since a 2023 military coup ended a 50-year-old political dynasty."
Meanwhile, the once-dominant Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), led by Ali Bongo Ondimba, has seen its fortunes plummet. In a stunning reversal, the PDG managed to capture only three seats outright. Both the UDB and PDG shared four additional seats, running joint tickets in a handful of constituencies. The majority of the remaining 77 seats are still up for grabs and will be fiercely contested in the upcoming second round, scheduled for October 11, 2025. Most of these undecided constituencies are battlegrounds between the UDB and PDG, setting the scene for a political showdown that could further reshape Gabon’s future.
But what’s really at stake in these elections? For starters, Gabon now operates under a presidential system that was restored after General Oligui Nguema’s victory in the April 2025 presidential election. This return to a presidential model followed the adoption of a controversial new electoral code, one that allowed military figures—including Oligui Nguema himself—to run for office. Critics have argued that this move blurs the line between civilian government and military rule, raising questions about the true nature of Gabon’s democratic transition.
Despite the restoration of a presidential system, the National Assembly’s legislative powers remain limited. Yet, the symbolism of these elections cannot be overstated. As the BBC has noted, "this vote is being seen as a key test of Gabon's transition back to constitutional rule." For many observers, the outcome will signal whether Gabon is genuinely moving toward democracy or simply replacing one dominant regime with another.
President Oligui Nguema’s rise to power is itself a study in political drama. A former general, he led the military coup that toppled Ali Bongo Ondimba in 2023, ending the Bongo family’s 50-year rule. The coup was both celebrated and condemned at home and abroad. While some Gabonese citizens welcomed the end of the Bongo era, hoping for new opportunities and reforms, others worried about the precedent set by military intervention in politics. International actors, too, have watched Gabon’s post-coup trajectory with a mix of concern and cautious optimism.
The creation of the Democratic Union of Builders in July 2025 was widely seen as an effort by Oligui Nguema to consolidate his power and legitimize his rule through the ballot box. The party’s name itself—Builders—suggests a focus on reconstruction and renewal, themes that resonate in a country eager to move beyond its turbulent recent history.
Still, the road ahead is far from smooth. The upcoming second round of voting on October 11 will be crucial in determining whether the UDB can secure an outright majority in the National Assembly, or if Gabon will see a more fragmented parliament. The fact that 77 seats remain undecided underscores the fluidity of the current political moment. Both the UDB and PDG are expected to pull out all the stops in the coming days, campaigning vigorously and seeking to sway undecided voters.
For the PDG, the stakes could hardly be higher. Once the undisputed powerhouse of Gabonese politics, the party now faces an existential crisis. Its poor showing in the first round is a stark indication that voters are looking for something new—or at least, something different from the past. Yet, the PDG is not out of the game just yet. With dozens of seats still in play, the party has a chance—albeit a slim one—to mount a comeback.
Meanwhile, for President Oligui Nguema and his UDB, the challenge is to translate their early lead into lasting political authority. Winning the first round is one thing; governing effectively is quite another. The limited powers of the National Assembly mean that much of the real decision-making will remain in the hands of the executive. Nevertheless, a strong showing in parliament would give Oligui Nguema a mandate to pursue his agenda—and perhaps, to further entrench his position.
Outside Gabon, the elections are being closely monitored by regional and international observers. The African Union and other organizations have called for free and fair elections, emphasizing the need for transparency and inclusivity. There are concerns, too, about the controversial electoral code that permitted military figures to stand for office. Some critics argue that this undermines the principle of civilian rule and could set a worrying precedent for other countries in the region.
Yet, for many ordinary Gabonese, the focus is less on constitutional theory and more on practical outcomes. After years of political stagnation and economic challenges, there is a palpable desire for progress. Whether the UDB can deliver on its promises remains to be seen. But for now, the party’s strong performance in the first round has given President Oligui Nguema and his supporters a reason to celebrate—and has set the stage for a decisive second round that could shape Gabon’s future for years to come.
As the October 11 runoff approaches, all eyes are on Gabon. The outcome will not only determine the balance of power in the National Assembly but will also offer a glimpse into the country’s evolving political identity. For a nation emerging from the shadow of a long-standing dynasty and navigating the uncertain waters of post-coup governance, these elections are more than a contest for seats—they are a test of Gabon’s hopes for renewal and stability.