Gabon’s transitional president, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, will face three challengers in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for April 12, 2025.
Nguema, who took power after the August 2023 coup that removed former President Ali Bongo Ondimba, leads the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI). The National Commission for the Organization and Coordination of Elections and the Referendum (CNOCER) confirmed that out of 23 submitted applications, only four candidates met the eligibility requirements.
According to a press release from the Ministry of the Interior and Security on March 9, the approved candidates are Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, Joseph Lapensee Essingone, Stephane Germain Iloko Boussengui, and Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. The selection process was carried out in line with the Transition Charter, the Gabonese electoral code, and the new Constitution established on December 19, 2024.
Among the 19 rejected applications were those of three female candidates: Marlene Fabienne Essola Efountame, Zenaba Gninga Chaning, and Marion Nadia N’Negue Mintsa. The ministry stated that all disqualified candidates have 72 hours to appeal the decision before the Constitutional Court.
This election marks Gabon’s first presidential vote since the military seized power in 2023 following a contested election that led to Ali Bongo’s removal. The outcome is expected to shape the country’s political direction and determine whether the transitional government remains in power or gives way to a new administration.
