Authorities in Gabon say voters have overwhelmingly approved a new constitution more than one year after mutinous soldiers overthrew the country’s longtime president and seized power in the oil-rich Central African nation.

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.

Gabonese voters approved the new Constitution proposed by the country's military rulers. The proposed new Constitution sets out a vision of a presidency with a maximum of two terms but increases the length from five to seven years.

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,

Gabonese voters have given a resounding 'yes' to a new constitution proposed by the country's military rulers. The changes, approved in a referendum on Sunday, include limits to terms in office and prevent family members from succeeding a president.