Gabon’s military leader, Brice Oligui Nguema, will compete with three candidates in the April 12, 2025 presidential election, including former Prime Minister Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze. Out of 23 applicants, only four were approved, and Oligui pledged to return power to civilians post-election. Campaigning begins on March 29, with conditions favoring military candidacy.
Brice Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s military leader, is set to participate in the presidential election on April 12, 2025, alongside three other candidates. The final candidate list, released on Sunday, features Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, the last prime minister of the previous administration, who is considered Oligui’s primary competitor. Other candidates include lawyer Joseph Lapensee Essingone and doctor Stéphane Germain Iloko Boussengui.
Interior Minister Hermann Immongault revealed that of the 23 total applicants, only four were approved to run. While the precise reasons for the rejection of 19 applications, including that of Jean-Remy Yama, a notable trade unionist, were not disclosed, these candidates retain the option to appeal to the Constitutional Court.
Oligui announced his presidential candidacy on March 3, pledging to restore civilian governance following a mandated transitional period. A recent change in electoral regulations now permits military personnel to contest in elections, facilitating Oligui’s independent bid. Election campaigning is slated to commence on March 29, although a date for any potential second-round run-off has yet to be confirmed.
In summary, Brice Oligui Nguema will contend against three challengers in the upcoming Gabonese presidential election. The election, set for April 12, 2025, follows the military coup that ended the lengthy Bongo family rule. The approval of only four candidates from a larger pool signals stringent selection criteria, and Oligui’s commitment to return power to civilians is notable as he prepares for a significant electoral campaign.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
