LIBREVILLE, GABON — Gabon has announced that presidential elections are set to take place on April 12, signaling a return to civilian leadership after the military seized power in a 2023 coup.
The official decision was disclosed through minutes from a cabinet meeting, confirming the government’s commitment to organizing the long-awaited vote. This marks a pivotal step toward restoring constitutional governance in the country.
“Under the terms of this decree, the electoral college is convened for Saturday 12 April 2025,” the minutes of Wednesday night’s meeting read.
Gabon’s interim leader, Brice Oligui Nguema, assumed power in a 2023 coup, marking the eighth such takeover in West and Central Africa between 2020 and 2023. This coup ended over five decades of rule by the Bongo family in the oil-rich but economically struggling nation.
In November, Gabonese citizens voted in favor of a new constitution during a referendum, fulfilling a promise by the military government to transition back to constitutional rule. The revamped constitution introduces significant reforms, including limiting presidential terms to two seven-year mandates, abolishing the prime minister’s position, and prohibiting dynastic power transfers.
Despite these changes, some observers remain skeptical, warning that the military may use this transition to consolidate its authority. This concern was heightened on Monday when a new law permitted military officials to run for office under specific conditions.
Notably, this exception enables transitional leader Nguema, who has openly expressed his ambition to become president, to stand in the upcoming elections.
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The August 2023 coup, which ousted President Ali Bongo, occurred just after he was declared the winner of a contentious election that the military and opposition groups condemned as fraudulent. Ali Bongo had ruled Gabon for 14 years, succeeding his father, Omar Bongo, who led the country for over 41 years.
The Bongo regime faced widespread allegations of corruption and poor governance, fueling public and military discontent.
As Gabon moves toward its April elections, the nation stands at a critical juncture, with hopes for a democratic future tempered by concerns over the potential for military influence to persist.
