Brice Oligui Nguema will compete in Gabon’s April 12 presidential election against Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, Joseph Lapensee Essingone, and Stephane Germain Iloko Boussengui. A newly adjusted electoral code permits military members to stand for election, facilitating Oligui’s candidacy, who aims to restore civilian leadership.
In Gabon, military leader Brice Oligui Nguema is set to contend in the upcoming presidential election on April 12, facing three candidates, including former Prime Minister Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze. By Nze is recognized as Oligui’s most formidable rival, following Oligui’s military coup that ended the Bongo family’s 55-year regime.
Additionally, the candidates include Joseph Lapensee Essingone, a lawyer and tax inspector, and doctor Stephane Germain Iloko Boussengui. The Minister of Interior, Hermann Immongault, disclosed that out of 23 individuals who expressed their candidacy, only four were accepted, with 19 others, such as senator Jean-Remy Yama, being rejected.
Oligui publicly announced his presidential ambitions on March 3, claiming a commitment to restore civilian governance. However, a newly revised electoral code approved by the transitional parliament recently permits active military personnel to run for office, facilitating Oligui’s candidacy. Upon submitting his candidacy, he confirmed that he had received permission from the Ministry of Defense to temporarily relinquish his military uniform for the election.
In summary, Gabon’s military leader Brice Oligui Nguema will compete in the April presidential election against a prominent former prime minister and two other candidates. Notably, the electoral landscape has shifted to allow military officials to participate in elections following a recent code amendment. This development raises questions regarding the transition to civilian governance, a pledge made by Oligui upon announcing his candidacy.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
