Gabon’s Junta Leader Brice Oligui Nguema Faces Competition in Presidential Race
Brice Oligui Nguema will compete in Gabon’s presidential election against three candidates, including Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, the last prime minister under Ali Bongo. A total of 23 candidates applied, but only four qualified, with the others having the right to appeal their rejections. Oligui promises to restore civilian rule after a transitional period, and the campaign period commences on March 29, 2025.
Gabon’s military leader, Brice Oligui Nguema, will confront three challengers in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for April 12, 2025. This announcement follows the release of the final candidate list, which features Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, the last prime minister under the deposed President Ali Bongo Ondimba, who is perceived as Oligui’s most formidable rival.
In addition to By Nze, Oligui faces competition from lawyer and tax inspector Joseph Lapensee Essingone, as well as doctor Stéphane Germain Iloko Boussengui. According to Interior Minister Hermann Immongault, there were 23 applicants for candidacy, but only four emerged as eligible, with 19 applications being rejected for undisclosed reasons. Notably, leading trade unionist Jean-Remy Yama was among those whose applications did not succeed, yet they retain the right to appeal these decisions to the Constitutional Court.
Brice Oligui Nguema declared his presidential candidacy on March 3, asserting a commitment to restoring civilian governance following a transitional phase. A newly enacted electoral code permits military personnel to participate in elections, thus facilitating Oligui’s entry into the presidential race as an independent candidate. Campaigning is set to commence on March 29, with the timeline for a potential second-round run-off yet to be determined.
In summary, Brice Oligui Nguema prepares for a competitive presidential election in Gabon, facing three challengers including prominent figures from the previous administration. Despite numerous applications, only four candidates are eligible, underscoring the election’s political complexity. With campaigning set to begin later this month, the outcome will significantly impact Gabon’s political future as Oligui aims to transition power back to civilians.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
