Gabon Junta Chief Faces Three Challengers in Upcoming Presidential Election

In Gabon’s upcoming April 12 election, military leader Brice Oligui Nguema faces three contenders, prominently Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze. Despite pledging to cede power to civilians, recent electoral reforms allow military participation, complicating the political dynamics.

Gabon is set to hold a presidential election on April 12, where military leader Brice Oligui Nguema will compete against three challengers, including Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, the last prime minister under the ousted ex-president Ali Bongo Ondimba. Bilie By Nze is viewed as Oligui’s strongest rival, following the military coup that ended the 55 years of Bongo family governance.

The other two candidates include lawyer Joseph Lapensee Essingone and doctor Stephane Germain Iloko Boussengui. The Interior Minister Hermann Immongault announced that out of 23 candidacies presented, only four were deemed eligible for the election, without providing reasons for the 19 rejections, which included prominent figures like trade unionist Jean-Remy Yama.

Oligui declared his intention to run for the presidency on March 3, assuring citizens that he intends to transition power back to civilian leadership. However, a recently approved electoral code permits military officers to participate in elections, which facilitates his candidacy. Upon submitting his application, Oligui confirmed that his request to formally relinquish his military uniform for the election was accepted by the Ministry of Defense.

The upcoming Gabonese presidential election on April 12 will see Brice Oligui Nguema contesting against Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, Joseph Lapensee Essingone, and Stephane Germain Iloko Boussengui. Despite the promise of a return to civilian governance, the new electoral regulations allowing military candidacy highlight ongoing tensions in Gabon’s political landscape.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com