Senate of Gabon
The Senate 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 created until 1997, when an election was held to fill the seats in the upper house.
The first Senate president was Georges Rawiri, 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.
A Senate election was held on 18 January 2009. The ruling Gabonese Democratic Party won a large majority of seats. 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.Elections
