Gabon Military Leader General Nguema Announces Presidential Candidacy

General Brice Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s junta leader, has announced his candidacy for the April 12 presidential election, responding to public support following an August 2023 coup. Recent constitutional changes and a new electoral code may favor his campaign while raising concerns about the political landscape’s fairness.

General Brice Oligui Nguema has declared his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election scheduled for April 12, as a response to numerous requests from the Gabonese populace. This decision comes after his role in the August 2023 coup that ousted former President Ali Bongo Ondimba. Nguema had previously been silent regarding his presidential ambitions until he made his intentions known during a rally in Libreville, emphasizing that his choice followed “careful reflection and in response to your many appeals.” His announcement positions him as the leading candidate, bolstered by significant public support.

His popularity was evident during the constitutional referendum last November, where more than 90 percent of voters favored the new constitution. Political analyst Herbert Mba Aki from Omar Bongo University noted that the public’s approval stems from broad support for Nguema, asserting, “most of the public really like the president” regardless of the specifics of the proposed constitutional changes.

The newly ratified constitution aims to prevent dynastic successions by prohibiting family members from taking over in the presidency. However, it retains prior powers, allowing the president to dissolve the National Assembly and limits presidents to two terms of seven years. Recently, a new electoral code permitting military and magistrate candidates for office was established, which critics argue advantages Nguema and his military counterparts.

Several opposition groups have expressed discontent with current regulations, advocating for transitional government members, who were part of the former administration, to be barred from candidacies. However, the political landscape seems to favor Nguema and his allies’ continuity in power following their coup against Ali Bongo, who faced severe dissatisfaction and allegations of electoral fraud in his last term.

In conclusion, General Brice Oligui Nguema’s decision to run in the presidential election marks a significant step in Gabon’s transition to civilian governance following a military coup. His popularity, highlighted during recent referenda, positions him favorably in the eyes of many Gabonese citizens. However, the recent legal provisions allowing military candidates raise concerns regarding the fairness of the electoral process, potentially entrenching a power structure supportive of Nguema and his regime.

Original Source: www.okayafrica.com