Gabon’s Top Court Approves Eight Candidates for Presidential Election

Gabon’s Constitutional Court has approved eight candidates to run in the upcoming presidential election on April 12, including interim President Brice Oligui Nguema, who took power in a military coup in 2023. Nguema, 50, led the overthrow of longtime leader Ali Bongo, ending his family’s decades-long rule over the oil-rich but impoverished Central African nation.

Despite initial promises of a return to democratic governance, concerns have grown over the junta’s grip on power. In November, Gabon passed a new constitution that exempts Nguema from a rule barring transitional leaders from contesting elections, which has sparked criticism from opposition groups and analysts.

His main challenger is expected to be Alain Claude Billie By Nze, 57, Bongo’s last prime minister, who is running as an independent.
Other candidates include Stephane Germain Iloko Boussengui, a former member of Bongo’s Gabonese Democratic Party who has since formed his political movement, and tax inspector Joseph Lapensee Essigone. Entrepreneur Gninga Chaining Zenaba is the only woman in the race.

The election will be a key test for Gabon’s transition back to civilian rule following the coup, one of several that have reshaped West and Central Africa in recent years.

Reuters/Patience Ameh