General Brice Oligui Nguema, the military ruler of Gabon, has announced his candidacy for the presidential election on April 12, 2024. His decision follows widespread popular demand after leading a coup against former President Ali Bongo Ondimba. The new constitution, which prohibits familial succession in leadership, retains a strong presidential structure, raising concerns about the fairness of upcoming elections.
General Brice Oligui Nguema, leader of Gabon’s junta, has announced his candidacy for the presidential election scheduled for April 12, marking an important shift towards civilian governance. Following the August 2023 coup that ousted former President Ali Bongo Ondimba, Nguema revealed his ambitions during a gathering in Libreville, citing numerous appeals from the Gabonese populace for him to run. His high popularity among citizens positions him as the frontrunner for the upcoming election.
Following a constitutional referendum in November that garnered over 90 percent support for a new constitution, Nguema’s status as a reformer is solidified. Notably, the new constitution prohibits familial succession in leadership, aiming to prevent the dynastic legacy of the Bongo family, who had dominated Gabon for 55 years. However, it maintains the existing hyper-presidential structure, empowering the president to dissolve the National Assembly and allowing for two consecutive seven-year terms.
The transitional parliament recently passed a new electoral code that permits military personnel and members of the judiciary to contest elections, a decision that critics argue predominantly benefits Nguema and his cohorts. Opposition parties have expressed discontent, advocating for restrictions on transitional government members from seeking public offices. Nonetheless, the political climate appears conducive to Nguema’s continued leadership.
Nguema and fellow soldiers executed the coup after the controversial re-election of Ali Bongo for a third term, which had sparked widespread protests and allegations of electoral fraud. Despite an earlier reduction of presidential terms from seven to five years, term limits were removed under the previous administration. As interim head of state, Nguema has vowed to restore power to the citizens through transparent and credible elections.
General Brice Oligui Nguema’s announcement to run in Gabon’s presidential election signals a pivotal moment in the nation’s political landscape following the August coup. He remains a popular figure among citizens, benefiting from a constitutional overhaul aimed at curbing dynastic politics. The newly established electoral framework, however, raises concerns regarding fairness as it enables military members to participate in politics. Nuanced tensions persist as the political dynamics unfold ahead of the April elections.
Original Source: www.okayafrica.com
