Senate (Gabon)
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The Senate (Sénat) is the upper house of the Parliament of Gabon. It has 102 members, elected for a six-year term in single-seat constituencies by local and départemental councillors. Beginning with the 2009 election, some constituencies elect two senators.
The 1991 Constitution provided for the establishment of the Senate; previously the legislature had consisted of a unicameral National Assembly. The Senate was not actually created until 1997, when an election was held to fill the seats in the upper house.[1]
The first Senate president was Georges Rawiri (1932-2006), a long-time national political figure and close ally of Omar Bongo. He served in this position until his death in 2006.
He was replaced by René Radembino Coniquet, also a member of the Myéné ethnic group.
The last Senate election was held on 18 January 2009. The ruling Gabonese Democratic Party won a large majority of seats.[2] On this occasion, the number of senators was increased from 91 to 102. Following the election, Rose Francine Rogombé was elected as President of the Senate.
See also
References
- ↑ David E. Gardinier and Douglas A. Yates, Historical Dictionary of Gabon (third edition, 2006), Scarecrow Press, page 65.
- ↑ "Gabon: Elections sénatoriales 2009: le PDG en tête des résultats", Gabonews, 19 January 2009 (French).
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