Gabon’s new military leader, Brice Oligui Nguema, will compete in the April 12 presidential election against three opponents, with Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze being the strongest. The Interior Minister confirmed only four candidates are eligible after 19 were rejected. Oligui’s candidacy follows a new electoral code that allows military personnel to enter elections.
Gabon’s military leader, Brice Oligui Nguema, will participate in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for April 12. He faces three challengers, the most prominent of whom is Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, the last prime minister under the ousted Ali Bongo Ondimba. The list of candidates also includes lawyer Joseph Lapensee Essingone and doctor Stephane Germain Iloko Boussengui.
Interior Minister Hermann Immongault confirmed that out of 23 individuals who expressed interest in candidacy, only four were deemed eligible, leaving 19 candidates, including notable figures like trade unionist Jean-Remy Yama, rejected without explanation. Oligui declared his candidacy on March 3.
Following a recent electoral code approval by the transitional parliament, Oligui’s entry as a candidate becomes feasible under new regulations allowing military officers to contest elections. He confirmed that he received permission from the Ministry of Defense to temporarily relinquish his military uniform in compliance with election protocols during this period.
Brice Oligui Nguema is set to contest the presidential election in Gabon against three competitors, highlighting the shifting political landscape after the recent coup. The participation of other challengers like Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze underscores the competitive nature of the upcoming election, while changes in electoral regulations have permitted military figures to run for office.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
