Gabon’s Junta Leader to Compete in Upcoming Presidential Election

Brice Oligui Nguema will face three candidates in Gabon’s presidential election on April 12, 2025. His main challenger is Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, the last prime minister under Ali Bongo Ondimba. A new electoral code allows military personnel to run, enabling Oligui’s candidacy as an independent. Campaigning begins on March 29, 2025.

Gabon’s leader following a military coup, Brice Oligui Nguema, will contest in the presidential election scheduled for April 12, 2025, alongside three other candidates. This information was made public on Sunday, revealing that Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, the former prime minister under the deposed President Ali Bongo Ondimba, is regarded as Oligui’s principal opponent.

In addition to Bilie By Nze, Oligui will face competition from lawyer and tax inspector Joseph Lapensee Essingone, as well as physician Stéphane Germain Iloko Boussengui. Although 23 candidates expressed interest in the election, Interior Minister Hermann Immongault confirmed that only four candidates met the criteria for admission, while the other 19 applications were rejected, with no specific reasons provided for the denials.

The candidates, including notable figures like trade unionist Jean-Remy Yama, retain the right to appeal their rejections to the Constitutional Court. Having declared his candidacy on March 3, Oligui has assured citizens that he intends to restore power to civilians following a transitional period.

A recent electoral code permits military personnel to stand for election, thus paving the way for Oligui’s independent presidential bid. The official campaign period will commence on March 29, although the schedule for a potential second-round run-off has yet to be established.

In conclusion, Brice Oligui Nguema will compete in Gabon’s presidential election against three challengers, with Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze considered the most formidable rival. Following a military coup, Oligui is poised to lead while ensuring a return to civilian governance after a transitional period. The electoral process is currently underway, with campaign activities beginning soon.

Original Source: newscentral.africa