Gabon’s Constitutional Court Approves Candidates, Including Coup Leader

The Constitutional Court of Gabon has approved eight candidates for the upcoming presidential election, including coup leader Brice Oligui Nguema. A new constitution allows him to run despite typical prohibitions for transitional leaders. His main rival is former Prime Minister Alain Claude Billie By Nze, with the election scheduled for April 12.

Gabon’s Constitutional Court has officially approved eight candidates for the upcoming presidential election, including interim President Brice Oligui Nguema, who came to power following a military coup in 2023. Despite a prevailing norm that prohibits transitional leaders from contesting elections, the approval of a new constitution in November 2023 granted an exemption to Nguema, raising concerns among the opposition and analysts regarding the junta’s intentions to retain power.

The junta asserted that the recent constitutional referendum is aimed at paving the way for a return to democratic governance. Nguema replaced long-term president Ali Bongo and ended a familial regime during this coup, which marked the eighth such overthrow in West and Central Africa within the last three years. Nguema, at the age of 50, faces considerable competition in the election.

Alain Claude Billie By Nze, the former Prime Minister under Bongo, emerges as Nguema’s principal challenger, running as an independent candidate. The court has also approved several other candidates, such as Stephane Germain Iloko Boussengui, who previously belonged to Bongo’s Gabonese Democratic Party but now leads his own initiative named the “large rainbow gathering,” along with tax inspector Joseph Lapensee Essigone.

Among these candidates, Gninga Chaning Zenaba stands out as the sole woman participating in the electoral race. Voters are set to cast their ballots on April 12, which will be a significant date for Gabon’s political landscape as it navigates this transitional period.

The approval of presidential candidates by Gabon’s Constitutional Court underscores a critical moment in the nation’s politics, particularly in light of the military coup that installed Brice Oligui Nguema as interim president. Nguema’s bid for election, alongside competitors such as former Prime Minister Alain Claude Billie By Nze, reflects the evolving political dynamics amid concerns over democratic processes. The upcoming election on April 12 will be pivotal for Gabon’s future governance and democratic legitimacy.

Original Source: www.marketscreener.com