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 have approved of a new constitution proposed by the country's military rulers. The text introduces term limits and stipulates that family members cannot succeed a president.