Gabon’s military leader, Brice Oligui Nguema, will face former prime minister Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze and two others in the April 12 election. Oligui, who led a coup that ousted Ali Bongo Ondimba, is governed by a new electoral code that allows military candidates. Four of 23 candidacies were accepted; the rejection reasons for the others were not disclosed.
In Gabon’s upcoming presidential election scheduled for April 12, military leader Brice Oligui Nguema is set to face three contenders. Among these challengers, Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, the last prime minister under ousted president Ali Bongo Ondimba, is viewed as the most formidable opponent. The candidate list also includes lawyer Joseph Lapensee Essingone and doctor Stephane Germain Iloko Boussengui.
Interior Minister Hermann Immongault announced that among the 23 individuals who presented candidacies, only four were accepted. The reasons for the rejection of the remaining 19 candidates, which include notable figures such as trade unionist and senator Jean-Remy Yama, were not disclosed.
Brice Oligui, who led the military coup that ended 55 years of Bongo family rule, had declared his intention to run for president on March 3. He has committed to restoring civilian governance in the nation. Following a new electoral code approved by the transitional parliament, military officers are now eligible to compete for office, thus facilitating Oligui’s presidential ambitions.
During the filing of his candidacy, Oligui confirmed that he received approval from the Ministry of Defense to remove his general’s uniform during the election period, adhering to the established electoral procedure.
In summary, Brice Oligui Nguema will contend for the presidency with Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze as his primary challenger, alongside other candidates. The electoral process has seen a total of 23 candidacies, but only four were deemed valid. Oligui’s commitment to returning power to civilians and his eligibility as a military leader, following recent electoral reforms, underscore the dynamic political landscape in Gabon as it approaches the election.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
