Gabon’s Council of Ministers announced on Wednesday that the country will hold presidential elections on April 12, 2025, marking the end of military rule that began after the coup on August 30, 2023.
The coup brought an end to more than 50 years of Bongo family rule. Ali Bongo, who was ousted, had been in power since 2009, succeeding his father, Omar Bongo, who led the country for 41 years.
Minutes from a ministerial cabinet meeting, as reported by Reuters, confirmed the new election date.
“Under the terms of this decree, the electoral college is convened for Saturday 12 April 2025,” the minutes said.
But there are still concerns about how fair the process will be. Although transitional leaders are not supposed to run for president, an exception has been made for interim President General Brice Oligui Nguema.
Since 2020, West and Central Africa have seen eight coups, including Gabon’s, sparking calls from Western powers and regional organizations for a quick transition to civilian rule.
Last year, Gabon held a referendum to adopt a new constitution ahead of the upcoming election. The proposed changes included a two-term limit for the presidency, with each term lasting seven years.
Nguema has framed the constitutional referendum as a key milestone in the country’s democratic transition. Encouraging citizens to vote, he praised the process as transparent after voting in the capital, Libreville.
