Title: Gabon Prime Minister: 24-Month Transitional Period for Elections is a "Reasonable" Duration

Gabonese Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima, appointed by the military council, stated on Sunday that "a 24-month transitional period until elections is a reasonable duration." He said, "It's good to start with a reasonable goal by saying: we hope to see the process completed within 24 months so that we can return to elections." Military leaders seized power in Gabon on August 30, canceling the presidential election results moments after announcing President Ali Bongo's victory, claiming the electoral process lacked credibility. Bongo has been in power since 2009, succeeding his father, Omar Bongo, who ruled the country for 42 years.