General Brice Oligui Nguema, leader of Gabon’s junta, announced his candidacy for the presidential election scheduled for April 12. His decision comes after public encouragement following his coup that ousted Ali Bongo Ondimba. The new constitution, endorsed by over 90 percent of voters, prohibits family succession but maintains strong presidential powers. The electoral code now permits military personnel to run for office, raising concerns about military influence in politics as the nation seeks a return to civilian rule.
General Brice Oligui Nguema, the leader of Gabon’s junta, has officially announced his candidacy for the presidential election scheduled for April 12, aiming to transition the nation back to civilian governance. This decision follows significant encouragement from the Gabonese populace. Nguema led a coup in August 2023 that ousted former President Ali Bongo Ondimba, and until this announcement, he had been reticent regarding his ambitions for a civilian presidency.
While addressing supporters in Libreville, General Nguema expressed that his electoral decision was made after thorough consideration and in response to numerous appeals from citizens. His candidacy positions him as a prominent contender due to his continued popularity, as many citizens view him as a reformist figure. Following a constitutional referendum last November, over 90 percent of voters expressed support for the new constitution, signaling high approval of Nguema’s leadership.
The recently adopted constitution prohibits familial succession in the presidency, aimed at preventing a return to the long-standing Bongo dynasty. Nevertheless, it maintains a hyper-presidential regime allowing the president to dissolve the National Assembly, along with eligibility for two terms of seven years each. Earlier this year, a new electoral code permitted military and security personnel to contend for political offices, a development criticized as advantageous to Nguema and his military affiliates.
Some opposition groups had argued for the exclusion of transitional government members from seeking public office; however, the current political framework strongly favors Nguema and his allies. The coup was precipitated by disputed election results that reinstated Ali Bongo for a third term amid allegations of electoral fraud and civil unrest. Nguema, now sworn in as interim head of state, has pledged to re-establish power with a commitment to free and credible elections.
General Brice Oligui Nguema’s announcement to run for president marks a pivotal moment in Gabon’s political landscape, reflecting his popularity and the public’s desire for reform. His candidacy, influenced by earlier approval during the constitutional referendum, highlights ongoing concerns about military influence in governance. The electoral changes favoring military involvement further complicate the political dynamics as Gabon approaches its upcoming elections, which are crucial for restoring civilian rule.
Original Source: www.okayafrica.com
