Gabon’s Coup Leader Can Participate in April Presidential Election

Gabon’s Constitutional Court has approved eight candidates for the April 12 presidential election, including coup leader Brice Oligui Nguema, who benefits from an exemption in the new constitution. His main opponent is former Prime Minister Alain Claude Billie By Nze, alongside other candidates such as Gninga Chaning Zenaba and Stephane Germain Iloko Boussengui. There are concerns regarding the junta’s intentions following Nguema’s eligibility to run after the military coup.

Gabon’s Constitutional Court has approved eight candidates for the upcoming presidential election, including Brice Oligui Nguema, the leader of the transitional government installed after a military coup in 2023. Typically, leaders of transitional governments are prohibited from participating in elections; however, a new constitution adopted in November grants Nguema an exemption, sparking concerns regarding the junta’s objectives.

Nguema, who displaced the Bongo family from power after a lengthy ruling period, is expected to face significant opposition from former Prime Minister Alain Claude Billie By Nze, viewed as his primary contender. Additionally, other noteworthy candidates include Gninga Chaning Zenaba, the election’s sole female candidate, and Stephane Germain Iloko Boussengui, a former member of the Gabonese Democratic Party previously led by Bongo. The presidential election is scheduled for April 12, 2024.

The forthcoming presidential election in Gabon has drawn attention due to the inclusion of Brice Oligui Nguema among the candidates, despite his role as a transitional leader. The concerns regarding the junta’s intentions are amplified by the recent constitutional changes that allow Nguema to run, setting the stage for a potentially contentious election against established political figures. As Gabon prepares for its April 12 election, the involvement of various candidates, including the only female contender and former party affiliates, underscores the significance of this political transition.

Original Source: www.africa.com