Gabon’s transitional parliament has handed a brand new electoral code that critics argue favors junta chief Brice Oligui Nguema. The legislation permits safety personnel and magistrates to contest elections, fueling hypothesis that Nguema has presidential ambitions. The code additionally allocates two parliamentary seats to the Gabonese diaspora and permits twin nationals to contest elections apart from the presidency whereas retaining their different citizenship. Moreover, it transfers election administration tasks from the native authorities to the inside ministry. The brand new electoral code has been opposed by critics who demand that navy members of the transition committee ought to be formally banned from operating for workplace. The transfer has additionally consolidated observers’ perception {that a} current propaganda drive by members of the junta was to pave the best way for Nguema’s candidacy.
Supply: africanews.