Gabon’s transitional parliament approved a new electoral code on Monday, which critics argue benefits junta leader Brice Oligui Nguema.
Following several days of discussions, the legislation permits members of the security forces and magistrates to run for election.
While Nguema has pledged to restore civilian governance, there is widespread speculation regarding his intentions to pursue the presidency.
In response, the opposition is calling for a formal prohibition against any military member of the transition committee from running for president.
Recently, junta members have initiated a propaganda campaign that observers interpret as an effort to pave the way for a possible candidacy by Nguema.
Additionally, the new bill allocates two parliamentary seats for Gabonese citizens living abroad and permits dual nationals to participate in all elections, except for the presidential race, without needing to renounce their other citizenship.
Furthermore, the responsibility for organizing elections has been shifted from local government to the interior ministry.
