In Gabon, the April 12 presidential election resembles a competition where elimination is quicker than a game show: 34 contenders, 23 applications submitted, and in the end... only... four elected representatives for a chance to win the supreme chair!
Headlining, Brice Oligui Nguemabrigadier general and current president of the transition, who had promised to hand over power to civilians after the "liberation coup". Opposite him, Alain-Claude Bilie By Nzeformer Prime Minister under Ali Bongo, who is being touted by the local press as his main adversary. Two outsiders complete the cast: Joseph Lapensée Essingonea legal tax inspector, and Stéphane Germain Iloko Boussenguia doctor by profession.
But for some of those who didn't make the cut, accepting the verdict is out of the question. Jean-Rémy Yamaa well-known trade union figure, and 18 other unsuccessful candidates are planning to appeal to the Constitutional Court.
The verdict will be in over the next few weeks: will the list remain fixed, or will there be a twist worthy of a political thriller? One thing is certain: in Gabon, presidential elections are played out as much in the ballot box as in the corridors of power.
Editorial staff
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