Brice Oligui Nguema will compete against three candidates in Gabon’s presidential election on April 12, the first since the 2023 coup. The Interior Ministry approved only four candidates out of twenty-three submissions and all are running as independents. The new constitution allows Nguema to participate, raising questions about the legitimacy of the upcoming election.
Gabon’s interim President, Brice Oligui Nguema, is set to participate in the presidential elections scheduled for April 12. This election is particularly significant as it represents the nation’s first opportunity to vote since the military coup in 2023, which concluded decades of Bongo family governance.
The official candidate list, disclosed by the Interior Ministry, features only four out of twenty-three candidates who submitted their nominations. Nineteen individuals were disqualified but have a window of 72 hours to appeal the decision made by the authorities.
Although Nguema has not explicitly announced his intention to secure a presidential role, his candidacy is anticipated. He will contend with three opponents: Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, who served as Prime Minister under Ali Bongo; Dr. Stéphane Germain Iloko, a former official of the Gabonese Democratic Party; and Joseph Lapensée Essigone, a lawyer and tax inspector who is emerging as a political outsider. All candidates are running as independents due to the lack of officially reinstated political parties under the transitional government.
A new constitution, recently approved through a referendum, failed to prohibit Nguema from running, leading to speculation about his political intentions. Authorities claim this constitution is a step toward democratic governance, while critics argue it facilitates Nguema’s grip on power.
Campaigning will commence on March 29, with the upcoming election serving as a barometer for Gabon’s shift from military rule to potential civilian governance. Citizens express mixed feelings, with some hopeful for change while others doubt the likelihood of a fair electoral process under a regime that has solidified its control over the government operations.
In conclusion, Gabon is poised to conduct its first presidential election since the military coup in 2023. Interim President Brice Oligui Nguema will face three challengers as the nation navigates its political future. With political dynamics shifting and concerns regarding a fair election looming, the April 12 vote will be pivotal in determining Gabon’s democratic trajectory.
Original Source: www.cameroon-concord.com
