Lawmakers in Gabon met on Thursday to begin discussing a proposed new constitution, the first stage towards a return to civilian government, which the ruling military junta promised following a 2023 coup.

The coup put an end to 55 years of rule by the family of former president ALI BONGO ONDIMBA and a new constitution would include abolishing the post of prime minister and a seven-year presidential term, renewable once.

A presidential decree published on Wednesday proposed for lawmakers to meet from Thursday to work through the text.

The process is part of a two-year transition timetable presented by the country’s new strongman General BRICE OLIGUI NGUEMA, who has made it clear he intends to stand in and win a presidential election set for August 

2025.