Authorities in Gabon say voters have overwhelmingly approved a new constitution more than one year after mutinous soldiers overthrew the country’s longtime president and seized power in the oil-rich Central African nation.

Gabon held a referendum on a new constitution on Saturday, a major step towards establishing democratic rule after a coup ousted the Bongo dynasty last year, but some observers fear that the ruling junta may use the process to remain in power.

The constitutional change would also require presidential candidates to be exclusively Gabonese, with at least one Gabon- born parent and have a Gabonese spouse. The criterion disqualifies ousted ruler Ali Bongo Ondimba,

Gabon's military rulers announced their new constitution had been overwhelmingly approved in a referendum, according to provisional results it published Sunday, marking a new chapter for the oil-rich African nation.

Gabon has approved a new constitution following a public referendum, a year after military forces ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba. The new charter seeks to prevent dynastic rule and limit presidential terms,

Gabon held a referendum on a new constitution on Saturday, marking a significant step toward democratic governance following last year’s coup that ended the Bongo dynasty’s long rule. ・Gabon held a referendum on a new constitution to transition towards democratic governance.