Brice Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s military leader, will face three challengers in the presidential election on April 12, 2025. Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze is noted as his strongest opponent. Although 23 candidates applied, only four were accepted. Oligui aims to restore civilian power after a transitional period, with campaigning set to begin on March 29.
Gabon’s military leader, Brice Oligui Nguema, will participate in the presidential election scheduled for April 12, 2025, competing against three verified challengers. The final list of candidates reveals Oligui’s primary opponent as Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, who served as the last prime minister under the previously ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba.
In addition to Nguema and By Nze, two other candidates include lawyer and tax inspector Joseph Lapensee Essingone, as well as doctor Stéphane Germain Iloko Boussengui. Although 23 candidates sought candidacy, only four were approved, with the remaining 19, including trade union leader Jean-Remy Yama, being denied for unspecified reasons.
The rejected candidates retain the right to challenge this decision in the Constitutional Court. Oligui, who led a military coup that ended the prolonged Bongo family rule, announced his candidacy on March 3 and aims to restore civilian governance following a transitional phase. Notably, new electoral legislation permits military personnel to run for public office, thereby facilitating Oligui’s bid, which he has filed independently.
Official campaigning will commence on March 29, while no timeline has been provided for a potential second-round election run-off, should it be necessary.
In summary, Brice Oligui Nguema, following his appointment as Gabon’s military leader, will face significant competition in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for April 2025. Among his challengers are prominent figures, notably Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, the former prime minister. As Oligui runs to transition power back to civilians, the political landscape prepares for an intense electoral campaign starting late March.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
