Gabon’s Junta Leader to Compete Against Three Candidates in Presidential Election

Gabon’s military leader, Brice Oligui Nguema, will face three opponents in the April 12, 2025 presidential election. Main rival Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, along with two others, will contest. Oligui, who aims to restore civilian government, declared his independent candidacy under new electoral laws that allow military personnel to run. Campaigning starts March 29, and a run-off date is not yet announced.

In an upcoming presidential election scheduled for April 12, 2025, Brice Oligui Nguema, the leader of Gabon’s military junta, will contend with three opponents. The finalized candidate list, published recently, features Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, the last prime minister under deposed President Ali Bongo Ondimba, considered Oligui’s main rival. Other challengers include lawyer and tax inspector Joseph Lapensee Essingone, and physician Stéphane Germain Iloko Boussengui.

The Interior Minister, Hermann Immongault, noted that out of 23 candidate applications, only four were approved. Notably, the reasons for the rejection of the other 19 candidates, including prominent trade unionist Jean-Remy Yama, remain unspecified. Despite this, those candidates hold the option to appeal their disqualifications to the Constitutional Court.

Initially declaring his candidacy on March 3, Oligui has pledged to restore civilian rule following a transitional phase. A newly enacted electoral code has made it permissible for military personnel to enter the electoral race, thus facilitating Oligui’s independent candidacy. Campaigning is set to commence on March 29, though the schedule for any potential run-off has yet to be confirmed.

In summary, Gabon’s upcoming presidential election will see Brice Oligui Nguema facing three challengers, including Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze. The election’s context is shaped by recent military rule and the new electoral code permitting military candidates. Campaigning begins on March 29, highlighting Oligui’s commitment to transitioning power back to civilians after his military governance.

Original Source: newscentral.africa