Politics & Government Guide in Gabon

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions

Gabon transitioned from military rule following the 2023 coup to a presidential republic under the 2024 constitution. President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who led the coup, won the April 2025 presidential election overwhelmingly and his Democratic Union of Builders party dominated subsequent legislative and senate elections. The country maintains a strong presidential system with a transitional prime minister pending full implementation.

Government Type

Presidential republic

Legal System

Civil law system based on French law

Head of State

President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema(since 2023)

Head of Government

Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima(Independent)since 2023

Legislature

Type:bicameral

Upper House:Senate (70 seats)

Lower House:National Assembly (145 seats)

Major Political Parties

Democratic Union of Builders(UDB)

Centrist

101 seats

Gabonese Democratic Party(PDG)

Centrist

17 seats

Voting Rights

Universal suffrage for citizens aged 18 and over

Recent Developments

Military coup on 30 August 2023 ousted President Ali Bongo
New constitution adopted by referendum in November 2024 abolishing Prime Minister role and establishing presidential system
President Brice Oligui Nguema won April 2025 election with 94.9% of votes
Legislative elections in September-October 2025 won by UDB with 73.7% of seats
Senate elections in November 2025 won by UDB with 67.6% of seats

Voting Age18

SuffrageUniversal

Constitution2024

Provinces9