Gabon Approves Candidates Including Coup Leader for Upcoming Presidential Election

Gabon’s Constitutional Court has approved eight candidates for the presidential election scheduled for April 12, 2025. Interim President Brice Oligui Nguema, who led a coup in 2023, will run despite typical restrictions against transitional leaders. His main opponent is former Prime Minister Alain Claude Billie By Nze. Notably, Gninga Chaning Zenaba is the only female candidate in this race.

Gabon’s Constitutional Court has approved a list of eight candidates for the upcoming presidential election, including interim President Brice Oligui Nguema, who ascended to power following a military coup in 2023. A new constitution, passed with overwhelming support in November, allows Nguema to run for election, raising concerns among opposition groups and analysts about the junta’s intentions to maintain power.

Nguema, aged 50, ended the lengthy reign of Ali Bongo and his family in what constitutes the eighth coup in West and Central Africa from 2020 to 2023. In this election cycle, his primary opponent is expected to be Alain Claude Billie By Nze, aged 57, who previously served as Bongo’s last prime minister and is running as an independent candidate.

Other approved candidates include Stephane Germain Iloko Boussengui, a former member of the Gabonese Democratic Party who now leads his own movement called the “large rainbow gathering,” and tax inspector Joseph Lapensee Essigone. Notably, Gninga Chaning Zenaba is the sole female candidate in this election.

The presidential election is set to be held on April 12, 2025, as part of a transition the junta promised would lead to democratic governance.

The approval of eight candidates, including coup leader Brice Oligui Nguema and ex-Prime Minister Alain Claude Billie By Nze, underscores a significant political landscape in Gabon. The recently ratified constitution raises concerns regarding the potential longevity of military influence in Gabonese politics. The approaching election on April 12 will be pivotal in determining the future democratic trajectory of this oil-rich nation.

Original Source: www.usnews.com