Gabon’s Constitutional Court has officially confirmed the results of the recent constitutional referendum, revealing that an overwhelming majority of voters have endorsed a new constitution designed to guide the country’s transition to democratic elections. The court, in a statement released late Friday, confirmed that 91.64% of voters supported the proposed reforms, while just 8.36% opposed them.
The final tally differs slightly from initial figures released by the Interior Ministry shortly after the November 16 vote, which showed a voter turnout of 54.18%. Nevertheless, the referendum marked a significant step toward reshaping Gabon’s political landscape, with the new constitution seen as a crucial step in restoring democratic governance following the August 2023 military coup.
The revised constitution, which will soon be promulgated by the president, abolishes the position of prime minister and introduces a seven-year presidential term, with the option for a single renewal. This change comes over a year after a group of senior military officers deposed President Ali Bongo, ending more than five decades of rule by the Bongo family. Following the coup, General Brice Oligui Nguema, former head of the Republican Guard, assumed the role of transitional president.
In addition to reforms concerning the executive branch, the new constitution includes specific eligibility criteria for presidential candidates. To run for office, candidates must have at least one Gabonese-born parent and cannot hold dual nationality. This move reflects the military’s commitment to a two-year transitional period following Bongo’s ouster.
With the constitutional changes now affirmed, Gabon is set to hold presidential elections in August 2025, with General Nguema expected to run for office. The upcoming elections will mark a key moment in the country’s political transition, as Gabon seeks to restore democratic rule after a period of uncertainty and upheaval.