Gabon’s Presidential Election: Brice Oligui Nguema to Face Three Candidates

Gabon’s military leader Brice Oligui Nguema will contend with three challengers, including former prime minister Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, in the April 12 presidential election. Interior Minister Hermann Immongault reported 23 candidacies, of which only four were approved, while new electoral regulations allow military personnel to participate. Oligui seeks to transition power back to civilians.

Brice Oligui Nguema, the military leader of Gabon, is set to compete against three candidates in the upcoming presidential election on April 12. Among the contenders is Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, the final prime minister under the former president Ali Bongo Ondimba, recognized as Oligui’s most formidable rival. The other candidates include lawyer and tax inspector Joseph Lapensee Essingone and physician Stephane Germain Iloko Boussengui.

According to Interior Minister Hermann Immongault, out of the 23 individuals who submitted their candidacies, only four were approved. The reasons for the rejection of the remaining 19 candidates, which included notable figures like trade unionist and senator Jean-Remy Yama, were not disclosed.

Oligui announced his intention to run for president on March 3, expressing a commitment to restore civilian governance in Gabon. However, a newly amended electoral code, passed by the transitional parliament in January, permits military personnel to participate in elections, facilitating Oligui’s presidential ambitions. Upon submitting his candidacy, Oligui confirmed that he had received authorization from the Ministry of Defense to temporarily step down from his general’s role for the duration of the election.

In summary, Brice Oligui Nguema is preparing to face three opponents in Gabon’s presidential election. Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze emerges as the main challenger. The electoral environment has changed notably, with military figures now eligible to contest elections, thus setting the stage for a crucial political contest post-Bongo regime. Oligui’s commitment to civilian governance remains a focal point of his campaign.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com