Gabon’s Junta Leader Brice Oligui Nguema to Contest Presidential Election

Brice Oligui Nguema will compete against three candidates, including Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, in Gabon’s presidential election on April 12, 2025. Oligui, who led a military coup, has pledged to return civilian governance after a transitional period. Of 23 applicants, only four were accepted for candidacy, with campaigning beginning on March 29.

Brice Oligui Nguema, the military leader of Gabon, will stand for election against three other candidates in the presidential election scheduled for April 12, 2025. The final candidate list, released recently, includes Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, former Prime Minister under the ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba, who is considered Oligui’s principal rival.

Also contesting the election are lawyer Joseph Lapensee Essingone and doctor Stéphane Germain Iloko Boussengui. The Interior Minister, Hermann Immongault, revealed that out of 23 candidates who submitted applications, only four met the necessary criteria, while reasons for the disqualification of the remaining 19 have not been disclosed, though appeals to the Constitutional Court are permitted.

Oligui announced his intention to run on March 3, promising the eventual restoration of civilian governance after a transitional phase. A new electoral code permits military personnel to run for office, thereby facilitating Oligui’s candidacy as he filed to run as an independent. Official campaigning will commence on March 29, with a possible second-round runoff date still to be determined.

In summary, Gabon’s military leader Brice Oligui Nguema will face significant opposition in the upcoming presidential election. His prominent challengers include Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, as well as Joseph Lapensee Essingone and Stéphane Germain Iloko Boussengui. With a newly introduced electoral code permitting military candidates, Oligui’s bid marks a notable shift in Gabon’s political landscape as he aims to transition power back to civilians after the election.

Original Source: newscentral.africa