A Narrowed Field of Contenders

The Interior Ministry released the official candidate list on Sunday, one day after the deadline for submission. Out of 23 candidates, only four were approved, while 19 were disqualified, though they have been granted 72 hours to appeal the decision at the Constitutional Court.

Nguema’s Challengers

While Nguema has not officially confirmed his intention to transition from coup leader to elected president, his candidacy was widely expected. He will face:

Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze – Ali Bongo’s last Prime Minister, representing a continuation of the old regime, albeit without its former ruling party.
Dr. Stéphane Germain Iloko – A former executive of the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), which dominated Gabonese politics for over six decades before the coup.
Joseph Lapensée Essigone – A lawyer and tax inspector, relatively unknown on the political scene but positioning himself as an outsider.

All four candidates are running as independents, as no political parties have been officially reinstated under the transitional government.

Military-Crafted Constitution Paves Way for Nguema’s Candidacy

Speculation over Nguema’s political ambitions had been mounting since the new constitution, approved via referendum, failed to bar him from running. Military authorities have framed the charter as a stepping stone to democratic governance, though critics argue it was designed to legitimize Nguema’s continued hold on power.

Campaigning Timeline

Campaigning is set to begin on March 29, and the election will test whether Gabon’s transition from military to civilian rule will be genuinely competitive or simply a rebranding of power under Nguema.

While some Gabonese citizens remain hopeful for a new era, many question whether a fair and transparent vote is possible under a military-led administration that has consolidated control over the state apparatus.