Gabon Adopts New Constitution: Seven-Year Terms for Presidents and a Shift to Civilian Governance
Gabon has recently approved a new constitution through a referendum, which includes significant changes to the presidential term. According to the provisional results, 91.8% of voters supported the new charter, with a voter turnout of approximately 53.5%
The new constitution introduces several key changes:
- Presidential term length: The presidential term has been extended to seven years, up from the previous five-year term
- Term limits: A two-term limit has been established for the presidency
- Elimination of prime minister position: The new constitution abolishes the role of prime minister.
- Dynastic transfer prevention: The charter includes measures to prevent dynastic transfers of power
- Language recognition: French is officially recognized as Gabon’s working language
Citizenship requirements: Presidential candidates must be exclusively Gabonese, with at least one Gabon-born parent and a Gabonese spouseThis constitutional change comes in the wake of a military coup in August 2023, which ousted President Ali Bongo, whose family had controlled the oil-rich country for almost 60 years
The interim government, led by President Brice Oligui Nguema, has presented this new constitution as a step towards democratic transition, with elections tentatively scheduled for the summer of 2025
However, some observers have raised concerns about the junta’s ambitions, as the new constitution does not explicitly bar Nguema from running for the presidency
The extension of the presidential term to seven years, while introducing term limits, represents a significant change in Gabon’s political landscape and will shape the country’s governance for years to come.