Gabon Extends Presidential Term to Seven Years in Referendum

  • New code paves way for military leader to run for president
  • Scraps post of prime minister and introduces VP position

A voter casts a ballot at a polling station during Gabon's referendum in Libreville, on Nov. 16.

Photographer: Nao Mukadi/AFP/Getty Images

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Voters in Gabon have agreed to extend the term of the country’s presidents to seven years from five years in a referendum on a new constitution that’s seen as an important step toward a return to civilian rule.

It also paves way for military leader Brice Oligui Nguema to contest the country’s next presidential elections set to be held by August 2025.