The military leaders currently running the show in Gabon have declared that they plan to hold a general election in August 2025 which will be over two years after they seized power following a coup.
Africa Today News, New York reports that this announcement came against the backdrop of the recent pressure from the international community to announce a timetable for the return to civilian rule.
Recall that Gen Brice Oligui Nguema seized power in August from his cousin, Ali Bongo, vowing to rescue the country from a “severe institutional” crisis.
The central African nation had been ruled by the Bongo family for 55 years.
Although members of the interim government cannot stand in the upcoming elections, the transitional charter does not bar Gen Oligui Nguema from doing so. It is not yet clear whether he intends to.
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Announcing the plans on Monday, Gabon’s junta said the proposed timetable was not final and would need approval from the public during town hall-style meetings next April.
A new constitution is to be presented in October next year and adopted by the end of that year in a referendum.
Africa Today News, New York understands that Gabon’s transitional leaders have made moves aimed at rebuilding trust in the government, including arresting those accused of embezzlement of state funds, forgery and other crimes.
First Lady Sylvia Bongo and her son Noureddin Bongo Valentin have both been charged with corruption, but analysts say the extended Bongo family and its allies still retain positions of power.
Recall that Nguema had a few weeks ago appointed members of a new national assembly and senate for a transitional period ahead of promised elections.
Military and police chiefs joined forces on August 30 to carry out a bloodless coup widely backed by politicians, civil society and the public in general after more than 55 years of rule by the Bongo family.