It allowed the incumbent President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (ruling since 1979) to run for at least two more seven-year terms as well as establish the post of Vice-President, widely expected to be given to his son Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue in preparation of dynastic succession.

[2] The changes were hailed by the government as a democratic advance, with the addition of term limits highlighted by state media.

[4] Many denounced the referendum as fake, with many widespread cases of voter fraud and intimidation of groups trying to monitor the votes.

[2] Opposition leader Plácido Micó Abogo claimed that the proposal was not even seen the official text of the constitutional changes.

He removed poll watchers after threats of violence, including one of a young supporter who alleged he "was threatened with being tortured by a colonel.