Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s interim president who staged a 2023 coup that ended a decadeslong political dynasty, has been elected president, according to provisional results announced by the country’s interior ministry.

Voters in the oil-rich Gabon are casting ballots in a presidential election that the country’s military rulers hope would legitimize their grip on power.

Gabon’s military leader has announced that he will run as a candidate in the oil-rich central African nation’s presidential election set for April 12.