Gabon to hold presidential vote on April 12

ISTANBUL

The Central African nation of Gabon will hold presidential elections on April 12, its transitional government said.

"The Electoral College will convene on Saturday, April 12, 2025. The vote will take place from 7 am to 6 pm in accordance with the regulations in force," said a communique released late Wednesday by government spokesperson Seraphin Akure Davain, according to the local news agency AGP.

Last November, the Central African nation held a referendum to approve a new constitution, seen as a key step towards presidential elections. The referendum came more than a year after a military coup ousted President Ali Bongo in August 2023, leading to the rise of Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema as transitional president.

Bongo's father Omar Bongo was first elected president in 1967, and when he died in 2009, his son Ali Bongo took over the presidency. The Bongo family ruled Gabon for 56 years. Nguema is also part of the same family.

The proposed constitution eliminated the prime minister’s position and established a seven-year, renewable presidential term. Under the new rules, presidential candidates must have at least one Gabonese parent and hold no other nationality.

Nguema is expected to run in the upcoming elections.