The 80-year-old president of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has announced his desire to run in the upcoming presidential election, opening the way for his sixth term in office.
Why this matter
A proposal to move the country’s 2023 elections to November has already been accepted by the country’s Parliament, which is largely controlled by his ruling party. The opposition, as expected, has filed “complaints and grievances,” claiming that they are being denied the chance to “campaign properly on an already unlevel political field.”
The President’s opponents now have just a few weeks to campaign with the people, which has caused international observers to complain.
However, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has issued a statement commending the abolition of the death penalty. Numerous European institutions have called for “free, fair, and transparent elections” after the announcement.
What you should know
President Teodoro, a retired military officer has held office since 1979. Despite huge oil profits, the people continue to live in poverty. And organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International report that corruption, hardship, and persecution continue to take place, huge oil profits fuel extravagant lifestyles for the small elite surrounding the President.”
It has been reported that Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, the vice president and son of the president, will succeed him.
He was found guilty of “multiple money laundering offenses and misappropriation of public funds” a few months ago. However, the Vice President also refuted all of the charges brought against him, notwithstanding the judgement.