Gabon’s military leader Brice Oligui Nguema will compete in the April 12 presidential election against Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze and two others. Oligui, having led a coup to end the Bongo family’s 55-year governance, aims to return power to civilians. The new electoral code allows military candidates, enabling his participation after the Ministry of Defense allowed him to shed his military uniform during the election.
Brice Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s military ruler, is set to contend in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for April 12, alongside three notable challengers. Among them is Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, the last prime minister under the ousted Ali Bongo Ondimba, who is seen as Oligui’s most formidable rival. The lineup also includes lawyer Joseph Lapensee Essingone and doctor Stephane Germain Iloko Boussengui.
Interior Minister Hermann Immongault reported that 23 candidates had declared their intention to run, but only four were considered acceptable. The reasons behind the rejection of 19 candidates, including notable trade unionist and senator Jean-Remy Yama, were not disclosed.
Oligui announced his candidacy on March 3, asserting his commitment to transition power back to civilian governance. A new electoral code, endorsed by the transitional parliament in January, permits military officers to enter the race, facilitating his candidacy. Additionally, he affirmed that the Ministry of Defense permitted him to relinquish his general’s uniform during the election period, adhering to formal procedure.
In summary, Gabon’s presidential election will see Brice Oligui Nguema competing against three candidates, including the prominent Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze. Despite facing multiple challengers, Oligui’s military background and the recent changes to electoral regulations may influence the election dynamics. With the commitment to return power to civilians, this election presents a significant moment in Gabon’s political landscape following decades of Bongo family rule.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
