Gabon Presidential Election: Coup Leader Among Approved Candidates

Gabon’s Constitutional Court has approved eight candidates for the presidential election, including interim President Brice Oligui Nguema, following a military coup in 2023. The newly approved constitution allows Nguema to run, igniting concerns about the junta’s influence on democracy. Key candidates include Alain Claude Billie By Nze, and Gabonese entrepreneur Gninga Chaning Zenaba is the only woman in the race. The election is scheduled for April 12, 2023.

Gabon’s Constitutional Court has approved eight candidates for the upcoming presidential election, including interim President Brice Oligui Nguema, who took control through a military coup in 2023. Traditionally, transitional leaders are barred from election runs; however, a newly passed constitution has exempted Nguema, raising concerns among opposition groups and analysts about the junta’s intentions to maintain power.

The junta had claimed that the constitutional referendum would pave the way toward democratic governance. Nguema, aged 50, overthrew the longstanding Bongo family rule in a coup that marked the eighth such event in West and Central Africa from 2020 to 2023.

His primary competitor is Alain Claude Billie By Nze, 57, the last prime minister under Bongo, who is contesting as an independent. Other candidates include former Gabonese Democratic Party member Stephane Germain Iloko Boussengui, who established his own movement, and tax inspector Joseph Lapensee Essigone. Notably, Gabonese entrepreneur Gninga Chaning Zenaba stands out as the sole female candidate.

The presidential election is set for April 12, 2023. The political environment remains tense as the country navigates this critical transition amid historical upheaval.

The upcoming presidential election in Gabon, scheduled for April 12, has gained significant attention due to the approval of interim President Brice Oligui Nguema among the candidates, following his 2023 military coup. The newly instituted constitution has allowed Nguema’s candidacy despite traditional prohibitions, and concerns from opposition and analysts highlight potential threats to democratic progress. With a mix of challengers, including former officials and the only female candidate, the electoral landscape indicates a pivotal moment for the nation.

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