Gabon’s military leader, Brice Oligui Nguema, will face three challengers in the country’s presidential election set for April 12.
The candidate list, published on Sunday, includes former Prime Minister Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, a prominent opponent to Oligui.
Bilie By Nze, who served under ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba, is viewed as Oligui’s strongest contender.
The junta chief, who orchestrated the military coup ending 55 years of Bongo family rule, faces pressure from other candidates as well.
Among the final candidates are lawyer and tax inspector Joseph Lapensee Essingone, and doctor Stephane Germain Iloko Boussengui.
Interior Minister Hermann Immongault confirmed that 23 individuals submitted their candidacies, with only four deemed admissible.
He did not disclose reasons for the rejection of 19 candidates, including prominent trade unionist Jean-Remy Yama, though they have the option to appeal.
Oligui, who announced his candidacy on March 3, pledged to return power to civilians.
However, a newly passed electoral code allows military officers, like him, to run for office.
When filing his candidacy, Oligui confirmed his request to temporarily leave his military post had been approved.
Running as an independent, Oligui told reporters, “I am fit to enter politics and even hold the supreme office.”
Campaigning begins on March 29, though no date has been set for a potential second-round vote.