Although we are only getting started, we aim to progressively extend our coverage of countries around the world.
Gabon President Ali Bongo, who had served two consecutive seven-year terms, was standing for a third term in 2023.
His family has led Gabon for 56 years.
As soon as the results of the 2023 presidential election were announced,
re-electing Ali Bongo for a third term, the military contested the result and staged a coup,
putting an abrupt end to the Bongo dynasty.
3.4
Full democracyFlawed democracyHybrid regimeAuthoritarian regime
56
GoodSatisfactoryProblematicDifficultVery Serious
Although Gabon holds multiparty elections, President Ali Bongo Ondimba maintains political dominance through a combination of patronage and repression, having succeeded his father when he died in 2009 after more than 40 years in power. The executive branch effectively controls the judiciary, and prisoners suffer from harsh conditions. Other significant problems include discrimination against African immigrants, marginalization of indigenous people, and legal and de facto inequality for women.
Since its independence from France in August 1960, the sovereign state of Gabon has had three presidents.
In the 1990s, it introduced a multi-party system and a democratic constitution
that aimed for a more transparent electoral process and reformed some governmental institutions.
Despite this, the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG) remains the dominant party.
In March 1991 a new constitution was adopted.
Among its provisions are a Western-style bill of rights, the creation of the National Council of Democracy
that also oversees the guarantee of those rights and a governmental advisory board
which deals with economic and social issues.
Multi-party legislative elections were held in 1990-91 even though opposition parties had not been declared formally legal.