2009 Equatorial Guinean presidential election

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2009 Equatorial Guinean presidential election

Presidential elections were held on November 29, 2009, in Equatorial Guinea. The incumbent president Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has led the country since 1979, sought another term and won re-election with about 95.8% of the vote, according to official results. His main challenger was Plácido Micó Abogo of the Convergence for Social Democracy, who received about 3.6%. A number of minor candidates also stood, though many observers described them as largely symbolic.

Turnout was high, with roughly 292,000 ballots cast from about 291,000 registered voters. However, international observers and the opposition questioned the election’s fairness, pointing to media manipulation, restricted access for opponents, and irregularities at some polling stations. One opposition candidate, Carmelo Mba Bacale, even boycotted the vote, alleging fraud plans by the ruling party.

Initial provisional results released on December 1 showed Obiang with about 95.2% and Micó Abogo around 4%. Final official results released on December 3 confirmed Obiang’s win with 95.8%, Micó Abogo at 3.6%, and several minor candidates with tiny shares.

Obiang was sworn in for a new seven-year term on December 8, 2009, in Bata. In his speech he spoke of progress, health and education improvements, and using the oil wealth wisely, while calling for political cooperation among parties.