Gabon’s Interim President to Contest Against Three Challengers in Upcoming Election

Gabon’s interim president is set to face three opponents in the country’s presidential election, marking a crucial political moment. Read more on the candidates and what’s at stake.

Gabon’s interim President, Brice Oligui Nguema, will contend with three challengers in the presidential elections scheduled for April 12th.

The interior minister released the official list on Sunday, just a day after the candidature deadline.

Nineteen others were turned down, but they were granted 72 hours to file an appeal with the Constitutional Court.

In a 2023 military coup, Nguema took control, bringing an end to the long-standing rule of Ali Bongo and his family.

There has been considerable speculation about whether Nguema intends to stay in power after a new constitution, released last year, did not prevent him from running.

The people of Gabon overwhelmingly approved the charter in a referendum, with military authorities stating that it would serve as a foundation for establishing democratic governance.

Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, who served as Ali Bongo’s final Prime Minister, is regarded as his principal challenger.

Nguema will also confront Doctor Stéphane Germain Iloko, a former executive of the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), which held political dominance from 1961 until 2023.

The last candidate is Joseph Lapensée Essigone, who works as a lawyer and tax inspector.

All four candidates are running as independents, with their campaigns set to kick off on March 29