In Gabon, a campaign has been held in earnest ahead of the April 12 presidential election, with eight candidates taking part in the running. Who are these seven men and one woman?
Gabon will elect a new president on Saturday after 19 months of interim rule by military leaders who took power in the coup.
Gabon is one of the richest countries in Africa in terms of per capita GDP, thanks to its oil, wood, manganese (used in steel production, batteries) and a population of just 2.3 million.
However, as global oil prices fell, the contribution of Gabonne oil production to GDP has declined, with the debt of Central African countries rising to 73.3% of GDP last year. It is expected to reach 80% this year.
According to the World Bank, 50 years later, the average per capita income has been halved, with more than a third of the population living with less than $2.15 a day.
Voters hope that future presidents will modify outdated electric grids and road networks, create jobs and diversify the country’s gas-dependent economy.
Gabon approves a new constitution the year after military seizes power
Brice Oligui nguema
The current president of the transition, which overthrew the Alibongo on August 30, 2023 and ended the rules of the 50-year Bongo dynasty, likes to win. The 50-year-old career soldier actually predicts his own “historical victory.”
According to political analyst Lysiane Neyer Kenga, he is running an “American-style campaign with Big Bucks” — a strategy that “inclines towards a cult of personality” — billboards, branded baseball caps, large gatherings, and even viral dances on social media.
Alain-Claude bilie-by-nze
The last prime minister under the exiled President Bongo (for just seven months). Nevertheless, he presents himself as a candidate for a “clean break,” distances himself from the Bongo family and publicly acknowledges the administration’s failures.
Considered Blythe Oligui Nuguema’s most reliable challenger, he calls himself “the only alternative left to the people of Gabon in the face of the army.” With his campaign, he went back to basics and knocked on the doors of underprivileged areas.
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Xenaba Ginga Chanin
The first 36-year-old entrepreneur to staff her candidacy on February 7th is the only female candidate in running and the youngest of eight.
She aims to raise the entrepreneurship of her country by establishing several businesses in Ribbleville in sectors such as real estate, beauty and events.
Axel Stophenei Bingai Binga
Another entrepreneur, 44-year-old Axel Stophene Ibinga, leads investment company Axapital Investment Gabon.
He was the candidate in the cancelled 2023 election and said Gabon has not made any progress since the coup. He is committed to fostering entrepreneurship, focusing on job creation, and his campaign focuses on economic development.
Stéphane Iloko Boussengui
The 63-year-old doctor is a spokesman for the former ruling Gaboné Democrat who left after the August 30, 2023 coup and co-founded together for the Gabon Party with fellow candidate Alan Claude Billy By Nez.
His choice to become independent led to accusations of conspiracy with the government. If elected, he promised to “throw away” the constitution resulting from the transition.
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Thierry Yvon Michel Ngoma
46-year-old entrepreneur Thierry Yvon Michel Ngoma is once again testing his luck after his first bid in the cancelled 2023 election.
He chose the campaign, particularly with a determined, sovereign Credo, advocating for Gabon’s withdrawal from the CFA franc currency. He also promises to free everyone with basic services such as hospital treatment, water and electricity.
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Alain Simplice Boungouures
The senior civil servant proposes the creation of a Sovereign National Amnesty Fund, blessed with CFA 40 billion.
The 57-year-old, a training civil engineer and transport economist, is a former member of the Gabonne Democrats of Bongo, who left ahead of the 2023 election.
Joseph Rappence Essengon
Joseph Rappence Essengoné, a lawyer and tax inspector, is the least known about the candidate. He presents himself as his strength, calls it an alternative to established politicians, and campaigns under the banner of “Candidate of Change and Unity.”
The 53-year-old studied and worked in France for several years. His academic and professional background and public finance make his campaign focused on social justice and economic recovery.
(with newswire)
