In a landmark decision, voters in Gabon have overwhelmingly approved a new constitution, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. Over 91% of voters backed the constitutional changes in a referendum held on Saturday, according to Gabon’s Interior Minister Hermann Immongault.

The vote, which saw a turnout of 53.5%, aims to prevent dynastic rule and establish a more balanced system of power transfer in the oil-rich Central African nation. The final results will be confirmed by the Constitutional Court.

This referendum comes more than a year after a military coup ousted long-time President Ali Bongo Ondimba in August 2023. The soldiers, accusing Bongo of corruption and mismanagement, placed him under house arrest before later releasing him for medical treatment abroad.

The newly approved constitution is seen as a step toward reshaping Gabon’s political structure and limiting the potential for future dynastic rule.