LIBREVILLE, March 22 – Gabon’s Constitutional Court has approved eight candidates for the upcoming presidential election, including interim President Brice Oligui Nguema, who came to power in a military coup in 2023. Nguema, 50, who led the ousting of Ali Bongo’s long-standing rule, will now run for election under a new constitutional framework that allows his candidacy despite his role as transitional leader.
The approval follows a November referendum that passed a new constitution, which controversially exempted Nguema from the usual prohibition against transitional leaders running for office. This move has sparked concerns among opposition groups and analysts, fearing that the junta may be aiming to solidify its hold on power.
Nguema’s main challenger is expected to be Alain Claude Billie By Nze, 57, Bongo’s final prime minister, who is running as an independent candidate. Other contenders approved by the court include Stephane Germain Iloko Boussengui, a former member of Bongo’s Gabonese Democratic Party, and tax inspector Joseph Lapensee Essigone. Entrepreneur Gninga Chaning Zenaba is the only woman in the race.
Gabon’s presidential election is set for April 12, with Nguema facing scrutiny over his transition from military leader to potential civilian president.
