Gabon’s transitional government has announced that the country will hold its presidential election on April 12, marking a pivotal step towards restoring civilian governance after the August 2023 coup that ended the Bongo family’s 55-year reign.
The announcement was made early Thursday by government spokesman Seraphin Akure Davain, following a cabinet meeting. He confirmed that voting would take place between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm, in accordance with existing laws.
This election will be the first under Gabon’s new constitution, adopted through a referendum in November. The revised constitution limits presidents to two seven-year terms, abolishes the prime minister’s position, and prohibits dynastic power transfers.
Earlier this week, new legislation was passed allowing military officials to run for office under certain conditions. However, the country’s transitional leader, General Brice Oligui Nguema, who assumed power after the coup, has not hidden his aspirations to retain his position.
