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 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,