President Ali Bongo declared on Monday that all political terms in office in Gabon will now be for a period of five years.
Presidents have traditionally held office for seven years, while senators have held office for six.
However, Mr. Bongo, who has been in charge of the nation since his father’s passing in 2009, has not made any remarks about a new cap on the number of times a president can hold office.
Currently, presidents, members of parliament, and senators are free to run for office as many as they like.
The declaration by President Bongo came during negotiations between the administration and opposition that were called to discuss election-related issues before elections that are anticipated later this year.
