Gabon is a Presidential Republic in which the legal system is based on French civil law. The Constitution, written in 1961 following independence from France, was last revised in 2023. It provides basic freedoms and guarantees the separation of executive and legislative powers.
The government comprises a bicameral Parliament composed of a National Assembly and a Senate. The National Assembly has deputies elected by direct popular vote for a five-year term, whilst the senators constituting the Senate are elected by municipal councils and regional assemblies for a six-year term.
Ordinarily, there are two legislative sessions per year, the first from March to June, and the second from September through December. The Government and Parliament jointly hold the authority to propose legislation. Legislation initiated by the Government is termed a ‘bill,’ and must first be reviewed by the Administrative Court and approved unanimously by the Council of Ministers before entering one of the two houses of Parliament. Legislation from Parliament is termed a ‘private bill.’ Before debate in a plenary session, both types of bills are referred to the relevant committee of each chamber.