Brice Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s interim President, will compete in the April 12 elections against three challengers after military coup changes the political landscape. Only four of 23 candidates were approved, as the newly crafted constitution does not bar Nguema’s candidacy. Campaigning starts on March 29, raising questions about the election’s competitiveness and fairness under military rule.
Brice Oligui Nguema, the interim President of Gabon, will participate in the presidential elections scheduled for April 12, facing three opponents. This marks a significant event as it represents the first election since the military coup in 2023 that concluded the prolonged rule of the Bongo family.
The Gabonese Interior Ministry disclosed the candidates’ list on Sunday, with only four individuals gaining approval from an original pool of 23 candidates. Nineteen applicants were disqualified but have been allotted a 72-hour period to appeal their status at the Constitutional Court.
Although Nguema has not formally announced his intention to transition from military leader to elected president, his candidacy was anticipated. His opponents include Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, the last Prime Minister under Ali Bongo; Dr. Stéphane Germain Iloko, a former executive of the Gabonese Democratic Party; and Joseph Lapensée Essigone, a lesser-known lawyer and tax inspector.
All candidates are running as independents, as no political parties have been reinstated under the transitional government. The recently promulgated military-crafted constitution does not prohibit Nguema’s candidacy, leading critics to claim it was intended to affirm his authority rather than facilitate genuine democratic governance.
Campaigning is scheduled to commence on March 29, presenting an opportunity to determine if Gabon’s political transition will be competitive or merely a rebranding of military power under Nguema. While there is some hope for a new political chapter, many citizens express skepticism regarding the likelihood of a fair electoral process amid the prevailing military oversight.
In conclusion, Gabon is approaching a pivotal moment with its upcoming presidential elections, the first since the 2023 coup. Nguema’s candidacy, alongside his three opponents, raises questions about the legitimacy of the electoral process amidst military influence. Observers will be keen to see whether this transition symbolizes a true move toward democratic governance or a mere continuation of existing power structures.
Original Source: www.cameroon-concord.com
