Constitution Day (Equatorial Guinea)

Constitution Day is a public holiday in Equatorial Guinea, and it is observed on August 15 each year. The holiday commemorates the adoption of the constitution of Equatorial Guinea in 1982.

Equatorial Guinea is a country on the west coast of Central Africa. Portugal colonized the Bioko and Annobon in 1474 but ceded the Bioko island and the commercial rights on the mainland coast to Spain in 1778.

In early 1968, Spain decided to grant independence to Equatorial Guinea due to pressure from the United Nations. A referendum was thus held in August 1968, where 63% of the voters favored independence. As a result, Equatorial Guinea declared its independence on October 12, 1968.

Francisco Macías Nguema became the first president. He created a single-party state in 1970, replaced the constitution, and assumed the title of President for Life in 1973. Human rights abuses and totalitarianism characterized his regime. In August 1979, Macias' nephew Teodoro Obiang led a successful coup and overthrew the Macias regime. Macias was arrested and executed.

On August 15, 1982, Equatorial Guinea held a constitutional referendum, and 95.8% of voters favored the new constitution. Although there are new amendments after, the 1982 constitution is still an important step toward democracy in Equatorial Guinea.

The following is the list of Constitution Day in Equatorial Guinea from 2022 to 2026.

Please check more public holidays in Equatorial Guinea: