Gabon’s transitional legislature approved a new electoral code Monday that could pave the way for military leader Brice Oligui Nguema to seek the presidency.
The legislation permits security forces and judges to run as candidates in elections, sparking concerns among opposition groups who seek to prevent members of the transitional military government from pursuing office.
The new law also creates two parliamentary seats for Gabonese living abroad and allows dual citizens to participate in all elections except presidential races without surrendering their foreign citizenship. Election oversight will shift from local authorities to the interior ministry.
