Gabon’s Constitutional Court Approves Candidates for Upcoming Presidential Election
Gabon’s Constitutional Court has approved eight candidates for the presidential election, including interim President Brice Oligui Nguema, who took power via a coup in 2023. The new constitution permits his candidacy despite opposition concerns. Key rivals include Alain Claude Billie By Nze and other notable candidates. The election is set for April 12, 2025.
Gabon’s Constitutional Court has sanctioned a list of eight candidates for the upcoming presidential election in April, which includes interim President Brice Oligui Nguema, who recently assumed power following a military coup in 2023. Despite traditional regulations barring transitional leaders from participating in elections, a newly adopted constitution approved last November permits Nguema’s candidacy, raising fears among observers about the junta’s intentions to retain control.
The junta has positioned the constitutional referendum as a step toward establishing democratic governance. Nguema, aged 50, ousted long-serving leader Ali Bongo and his family from power, marking a significant political shift in Gabon, which has experienced several coups in West and Central Africa between 2020 and 2023.
Alain Claude Billie By Nze, the former prime minister under Bongo, emerges as Nguema’s principal contender, contesting the election as an independent candidate. Additional candidates include Stephane Germain Iloko Boussengui, a former member of Bongo’s Gabonese Democratic Party, who has launched his own political movement, and tax inspector Joseph Lapensee Essigone. Notably, Gninga Chaning Zenaba is the sole female candidate in the race.
In summary, Gabon’s upcoming presidential election features eight candidates, including military leader Brice Oligui Nguema, following his recent coup. The new constitutional provisions allow his candidacy, which has raised concerns among political analysts about the future of democracy in Gabon. With key competitors such as Alain Claude Billie By Nze and other varied candidates, the election scheduled for April 12 remains a critical event in Gabon’s political landscape.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
