Gabon’s military leader Brice Oligui Nguema faces three challengers in the April 12 presidential election, with Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze being the most formidable opponent. A total of 23 candidates submitted their candidacies, but only four were approved. Oligui announced his commitment to return power to civilians while benefiting from a new electoral code.
In the upcoming presidential election scheduled for April 12, Gabon’s military leader Brice Oligui Nguema will compete against three challengers. Among these opponents is Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, the last prime minister under the ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba, who poses the most significant threat to Oligui’s candidacy. The candidates list also includes lawyer Joseph Lapensee Essingone and physician Stephane Germain Iloko Boussengui.
Interior Minister Hermann Immongault announced that 23 Gabonese individuals submitted candidacies, with only four candidates deemed eligible. The reasons for the rejections of the 19 other candidates, including prominent trade unionist and senator Jean-Remy Yama, were not disclosed.
Brice Oligui Nguema declared his candidacy for the presidency on March 3, asserting his commitment to return power to civilian authorities. Nonetheless, a newly enacted electoral code, approved by the transitional parliament in late January, permits military officers to participate in elections, facilitating his presidential ambitions. During his candidacy filing, Oligui confirmed that the Ministry of Defense approved his request to abandon his military uniform for the electoral process, in compliance with requisite procedures.
Brice Oligui Nguema is set to face significant competition in the upcoming Gabonese presidential election, particularly from Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze. Despite being the military leader, Oligui’s candidacy comes at a time when the electoral landscape has been modified to allow military candidates. As the election date approaches, the dynamics between the contenders will be crucial in shaping Gabon’s political future.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
