Libreville: 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.

According to Anadolu Agency, last November, Gabon held a referendum to approve a new constitution, which was seen as a key step towards the upcoming presidential elections. This referendum followed more than a year after a military coup ousted President Ali Bongo in August 2023, paving the way for Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema to become the transitional president.

Ali Bongo succeeded his father, Omar Bongo, who was first elected president in 1967 and ruled until his death in 2009. The Bongo family has had a significant political influence in Gabon, ruling for 56 years. Notably, Nguema, the current transitional president, is also part of the Bongo family.

The newly proposed constitution made significant changes to Gabon's political structure by removing the prime minister's position and establishing a seven-year, renewable presidential term. It also introduced new eligibility criteria for presidential candidates, requiring them to have at least one Gabonese parent and no other nationality.