Gabon is scheduled to hold presidential elections on April 12, 2025, marking a step towards ending the military rule that began with a coup in 2023.
The announcement was made during a recent meeting of the country’s council of ministers, which confirmed the election date.
Brice Oligui Nguema, the interim leader who orchestrated the military coup that ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba in August 2023, is widely expected to run for the presidency.
Nguema’s takeover ended the Bongo family’s 55-year hold on power in the oil-rich but economically struggling nation.
In November 2024, Gabonese voters approved a new constitution in a referendum, fulfilling a key promise by the military leaders to restore constitutional governance.
The revised constitution limits the presidency to two seven-year terms, eliminates the role of prime minister, and forbids dynastic power transfers.
Despite these reforms, there are concerns among some observers that the military government may use the election to maintain control over the country, casting doubt on the future of democratic governance in Gabon.
