Gabon's New Constitution Extends Presidential Terms to Seven Years

BREAKING NEWSNovember 20, 2024 at 9:10 AM UTC

TLDR

Gabonese voters approve new constitution extending presidential terms to seven years, with 92% support.
New framework abolishes prime minister's role, introduces vice-president position, and limits presidential terms to two seven-year terms.
Constitution sets age cap of 70 for presidential candidates and requires both parents to be of Gabonese nationality.

Gabonese voters have approved a new constitution extending presidential terms to seven years from five, with 92% backing the measure in a referendum, according to Interior Minister Hermann Immongault.

Voter turnout was reported at 54%. The new constitution is seen as a key step toward a return to civilian rule following the military coup that ousted President Ali Bongo in 2023.

The new framework abolishes the prime minister’s role, introduces a vice-president position, and limits presidential terms to two seven-year terms. It also sets an age cap of 70 for presidential candidates and requires candidates to have both parents of Gabonese nationality.

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Key Takeaways

The constitutional reform clears the way for military leader Brice Oligui Nguema, 49, to potentially contest the next presidential election scheduled for August 2025. Nguema, who ousted Bongo after his family’s 55-year rule, has emphasized returning to constitutional order. The reforms aim to reshape Gabon’s political system, signaling a departure from the long-standing dynastic rule that defined the nation’s governance.

Gabon

Elections

Presidential Terms

Governance

Economy

Referendum