Gabon Constitutional Court Approves Candidates for Presidential Election

Gabon’s Constitutional Court has approved eight candidates for the presidential election, including interim President Brice Oligui Nguema, who came to power through a military coup in 2023. The elections will take place on April 12, 2025, amidst concerns over the junta’s attempt to maintain control. Other candidates include Bongo’s last Prime Minister and the only female candidate, Gninga Chaning Zenaba.

Gabon’s Constitutional Court has sanctioned eight candidates to participate in the upcoming presidential election. Leading the list is interim President Brice Oligui Nguema, who gained power via a military coup earlier in 2023. Although transitional leaders typically are prohibited from contesting elections, a recent constitutional amendment approved in November allows Nguema to run, raising concerns among opposition groups and analysts about the junta’s intentions to retain control.

President Nguema, aged 50, overthrew his predecessor Ali Bongo, marking a significant shift in the leadership of this oil-rich yet impoverished nation. This coup represents the eighth such event in West and Central Africa from 2020 to 2023. His primary challenger will be Alain Claude Billie By Nze, aged 57, who served as Bongo’s final Prime Minister and is running as an independent candidate.

Other candidates cleared by the court include Stephane Germain Iloko Boussengui, a former member of the Gabonese Democratic Party turned independent, and Joseph Lapensee Essigone, a tax inspector. Notably, Gninga Chaning Zenaba stands out as the sole female candidate in the race. The election is set for April 12, 2025.

In conclusion, the upcoming presidential election in Gabon features interim President Brice Oligui Nguema as a candidate, following a recent constitutional amendment permitting his participation. Competitors include Bongo’s former Prime Minister and a diverse group of other candidates, reflecting a complex political landscape. As concerns regarding the junta’s objectives arise, the election scheduled for April 12, 2025, will be a critical moment for Gabon’s future governance.

Original Source: www.usnews.com