Gabon’s Military Leader Faces Three Challengers in Upcoming Election

Gabon’s military leader Brice Oligui Nguema will contest against three challengers, including former Prime Minister Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, in the April 12 presidential election. An electoral code allows military participation, facilitating Oligui’s candidacy. Interior Minister Hermann Immongault revealed 23 nominations, with only four approved candidates.

Brice Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s current military leader, is set to compete in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for April 12. He faces three challengers, including Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, the last prime minister under former president Ali Bongo Ondimba, who is regarded as his most formidable opponent. The list of candidates also features lawyer Joseph Lapensee Essingone and physician Stephane Germain Iloko Boussengui.

In total, 23 candidates expressed their intention to run, yet only four were considered admissible. Interior Minister Hermann Immongault announced this selection without providing details on the 19 rejections, which notably included prominent trade unionist Jean-Remy Yama. The newly established electoral code permits military officers to contest in the elections, thus facilitating Oligui’s participation after he declared his candidacy on March 3.

Oligui has made a commitment to eventually return power to civilian governance. At the time of his candidacy filing, he confirmed that he had received approval from the Ministry of Defense to temporarily relinquish his military uniform during the election period, in accordance with established procedures.

Brice Oligui Nguema will contest the presidential election in Gabon against three rivals, with Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze being the strongest contender. An approved electoral code enables military officers to run, allowing Oligui to participate. With promises of restoring civilian rule, he is poised for a significant electoral challenge against the other candidates who also aim to lead the nation.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com