Gabon’s Military Leader Brice Oligui Faces Challengers in Presidential Election
Gabon’s military leader Brice Oligui Nguema will compete against three candidates in the presidential election on April 12. Notable challenger Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, the last prime minister under Ali Bongo, is seen as a significant rival. Despite 23 candidacies, only four were approved, following a new electoral code allowing military participation.
Brice Oligui Nguema, the military leader of Gabon, is set to encounter three challengers in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for April 12. The list of candidates features Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, the final prime minister under the ousted president Ali Bongo Ondimba, who is perceived as Oligui’s most formidable opponent. Additionally, lawyer Joseph Lapensee Essingone and doctor Stephane Germain Iloko Boussengui complete the candidate roster.
Interior Minister Hermann Immongault announced that among the 23 Gabonese individuals who submitted their candidacies, only four were recognized as valid. However, specific reasons for the rejection of the 19 other candidates, which notably included prominent trade unionist and senator Jean-Remy Yama, were not disclosed.
Oligui previously declared his candidacy on March 3, aiming to return power to civilian governance. A recently approved electoral code by the transitional parliament facilitates army officers, including Oligui, to participate in elections. Upon submitting his candidacy, Oligui confirmed that the Ministry of Defense granted his request to be temporarily relieved of his military duties during the electoral process.
In conclusion, Brice Oligui Nguema’s presidential candidacy for Gabon has drawn significant attention, particularly due to the presence of strong challengers, including former Prime Minister Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze. Despite some rejections in the candidacy submissions, the upcoming election marks a pivotal moment in Gabon’s transition from military rule, with Oligui’s commitment to returning power to civilians shaping the political landscape.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
