Gabon’s Nguema to Contest First Election Post-Coup Against Three Rivals

Brice Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s interim President, will compete against three challengers in the April 12 election, marking the first since the 2023 coup. The Interior Ministry has confirmed only four candidates from a list of 23. Campaigning starts March 29, raising concerns about the legitimacy of elections under military leadership.

In April 2024, Gabon’s interim President, Brice Oligui Nguema, will contend against three challengers in the nation’s first presidential election following the 2023 coup that terminated the long-standing Bongo family leadership. This election, scheduled for April 12, is pivotal for Gabon’s political landscape as it may determine the future governance framework of the nation.

The Gabonese Interior Ministry announced the official candidate list, revealing that of the 23 contestants, only four were accepted while 19 faced disqualification. The latter group is permitted to appeal the decision at the Constitutional Court within a 72-hour window, addressing concerns over their exclusion from the electoral process.

While Nguema has yet to formally declare his intent to shift from coup leader to candidate, his participation is largely anticipated. His rivals include Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, the former Prime Minister under Ali Bongo; Dr. Stéphane Germain Iloko, a past official of the Gabonese Democratic Party; and Joseph Lapensée Essigone, a lesser-known lawyer also vying as an independent candidate. Notably, all participants are contesting as independents due to the absence of officially reinstated political parties in the transitional period.

The atmosphere surrounding Nguema’s candidacy is influenced by a newly approved military-crafted constitution which, despite expectations, does not prohibit him from competing. Critics assert that the military authorities devised this charter to underpin Nguema’s grip on power rather than foster actual democratic governance.

Campaigning is set to commence on March 29, posing a critical test for Gabon regarding whether its transition from military oversight to a civilian-led government will manifest in a genuinely democratic election or simply signify a rebranding of existing power structures. While some Gabonese citizens display optimism for a political renewal, skepticism remains regarding the potential for fair and transparent elections under the current military-centric administration that has fortified its control over state machinery.

In conclusion, Gabon’s upcoming presidential election marks a significant moment as Brice Oligui Nguema faces three challengers for the presidency. While the electoral environment has raised concerns regarding fairness and legitimacy, the participation of diverse candidates and impending campaigning signals a crucial step in Gabon’s political evolution. The effectiveness of this election will be observed closely, as it could either initiate a genuine shift towards democracy or reinforce military governance.

Original Source: www.cameroon-concord.com