Gabon to Hold Presidential Elections on April 12, 2025, as Military Rule Nears End
Gabon to Hold Presidential Elections on April 12, 2025, as Military Rule Nears End
- Gabon is set to hold its presidential election on April 12, 2025
- The announcement was made during a recent cabinet meeting
- The new constitution limits the presidency to two seven-year terms
Gabon is set to hold its presidential election on April 12, 2025, marking the end of military rule that began with a coup in 2023.
The announcement was made during a recent cabinet meeting, confirming the election date and signaling a move toward restoring civilian governance.
Interim President Brice Oligui Nguema, who led the military takeover in August 2023, is widely expected to run for the presidency. Nguema’s coup ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba, ending the Bongo family’s 55-year rule over the oil-rich but struggling nation.
In November 2024, Gabonese citizens voted in favor of a new constitution through a referendum, fulfilling a key promise made by the coup leaders to restore constitutional order.
The new constitution limits the presidency to two seven-year terms, abolishes the position of prime minister, and prohibits dynastic power transfers.
Despite these reforms, some critics are concerned that the military government might use the election process to maintain its grip on power, raising questions about the future of democracy in the country.
