How did the Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea maintain political power?

The Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE) has maintained political power through a combination of authoritarian control, systemic electoral irregularities, and the consolidation of authority under President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.12

Since its formation in 1987, the PDGE has secured a decisive majority in the legislature, often winning elections by lopsided margins that domestic and international observers have widely denounced as fraudulent. The regime’s grip on power is reinforced by several key methods:12

• Electoral Manipulation: Elections are frequently characterized by reports of intimidation, coercion, and unfair campaign practices.32
• Constitutional Control: The government has enacted constitutional changes—such as those in 2011—that critics argue were designed to expand the president's power, including the creation of a vice-presidential position to facilitate succession.32
• Suppression of Dissent: The regime has been accused of human rights abuses, including the harassment of opposition members, unlawful arrests, and the suppression of political rivals.2
• Resource Control: Accusations exist that the ruling elite has systematically misappropriated the country’s significant oil revenue to maintain their influence and lifestyles.32