Luc Marat Abila of Bongo’s ruling PDG party said the changes aimed to address weaknesses in the constitution, such as resolution of electoral disputes, length of transition and eligibility of heads of state.
The opposition said the changes could potentially allow the head of state to exploit emergency laws.
“Since the sinking of democracy after the 2003 constitution revision, the state of basic law in Gabon has gone from bad to worse,” said opposition leader Zacharie Myboto.
Myboto said the revision would allow the head of state to “reign as an absolute ruler”, and had “opened the door to dictatorship.”
Bongo has ruled Gabon since winning presidential elections in 2009, held after the death of his father Omar Bongo who held power for more than four decades.
Source: AFP