General Brice Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s transitional leader, has announced his candidacy for the presidential election set for April 12. Following a coup that ousted former President Ali Bongo, he pledged to ensure fair elections. A new electoral code allows citizens under 70 to run, while voters recently approved a term-limiting constitution. Nguema must temporarily resign from military duties for his presidential bid, with potential reintegration contingent on election results.
General Brice Oligui Nguema, currently serving as Gabon’s transitional leader, has declared his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election scheduled for next month. His rise to power began when he led a military coup that ousted his cousin, former President Ali Bongo, following a disputed election in August 2023. Bongo had been in power for 14 years, following in the footsteps of his father, Omar Bongo, who ruled for over four decades.
Since the coup, General Nguema, who was previously the chief of the republican guard, has been responsible for guiding the transitional government. He committed to ensuring “free, fair, and credible” elections to facilitate a return to civilian leadership. During a recent rally in Libreville, he announced his decision to run for president, citing this choice was made after “careful consideration and in response to your numerous appeals.”
At the rally, he urged support from the crowd, stating, “I am a builder, and I need your courage, your strength, to build this country,” emphasizing his vision for progress over the next seven years. In January, a new electoral code was passed by Gabon’s parliament, allowing nationals under 70 to run for office. This change, part of broader electoral reforms, will shape the voting environment moving forward.
In November, the Gabonese people voted in favor of a new constitution that limited presidential terms to two seven-year terms, abolishing the prime minister position and preventing family succession. Reports have indicated that General Nguema will temporarily step away from military duties to run for office, with the military committee stating that should he be elected, a permanent resignation will be necessary, while failing to win would result in his return to military service.
General Brice Oligui Nguema’s entry into the presidential race marks a significant shift in Gabon’s political landscape following a military coup. His promise of credible elections and the support of newly established electoral laws reflects a potential move towards democratization. The upcoming election will determine whether he can transition from military ruler to elected president, marking a crucial moment in Gabon’s governance.
Original Source: www.azerbaycan24.com
