Gabon’s interim President Brice Oligui Nguema will participate in the April 12 election, facing three challengers: Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, Dr. Stéphane Germain Iloko, and Joseph Lapensée Essigone. The Interior Ministry approved only four out of 23 candidates. Concerns rise over the election’s fairness under military control following a coup that ousted decades of Bongo family rule.
Gabon’s interim President, Brice Oligui Nguema, is preparing for the presidential elections set for April 12. This election represents the first opportunity for voting since the military coup in 2023, which concluded the long-standing rule of the Bongo family. Nguema faces three opponents in his bid for presidency amidst a transformed political landscape.
The official candidate list, published by the Interior Ministry, details that out of 23 initial candidates, only four were approved to run. Nineteen candidates were disqualified, but they have been provided with a window of 72 hours to contest the decision at the Constitutional Court. This narrowing of candidates indicates a significant shift in Gabon’s political arena.
Among Nguema’s challengers are Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, the former Prime Minister under Ali Bongo, representing elements of the previous administration despite the absence of its ruling party. Dr. Stéphane Germain Iloko, a former executive from the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), presents another challenge. Lastly, Joseph Lapensée Essigone, a relatively unknown lawyer and tax inspector, also aims to disrupt the political narrative as an outsider. Notably, all candidates are running as independents due to the current ban on political party reinstatements under the transitional government.
The constitutional framework approved by referendum raises questions regarding Nguema’s political ambitions as it does not prohibit his participation in the elections. The military authorities have portrayed this charter as a foundation for democratic governance. However, critics assert it serves primarily to reinforce Nguema’s authority.
Campaigning is scheduled to commence on March 29, and this election will reveal whether Gabon’s shift from military to civilian rule will be truly competitive or merely an extension of Nguema’s governance. Amidst optimism among some citizens, significant concerns remain regarding the feasibility of a fair election under a military-dominated regime.
In conclusion, the upcoming presidential election in Gabon marks a pivotal point in the nation’s political landscape following the military coup. As interim President Brice Oligui Nguema prepares to confront three challengers, the legitimacy of the electoral process remains under scrutiny. The disqualification of several candidates and Nguema’s ambiguous political aspirations, coupled with public skepticism, will play a crucial role in shaping the future of governance in Gabon. The election’s conduct will test the transition towards civilian rule amidst a backdrop of military influence.
Original Source: www.cameroon-concord.com
