Republic of Congo's president reelected to fifth term, provisional results show
President Denis Sassou N’Guesso has been re-elected for a fifth consecutive term, as announced by the Republic of Congo's authorities on Tuesday. According to provisional results, Sassou N’Guesso secured 94.82% of the vote, as reported by Interior…
President Denis Sassou N’Guesso has been re-elected for a fifth consecutive term, as announced by the Republic of Congo's authorities on Tuesday. According to provisional results, Sassou N’Guesso secured 94.82% of the vote, as reported by Interior Minister Raymond Zephirin Mboulou.
Six candidates contested the presidency against the 82-year-old leader in a nation known for its substantial oil reserves in sub-Saharan Africa. During the election period, the internet was shut down across the country, and traffic restrictions were imposed in the capital city.
The interior minister reported an 84.65% voter turnout, with 2.6 million ballots cast. However, many polling stations in Brazzaville experienced low voter turnout, as many citizens expressed skepticism about any potential change in leadership.
Sassou N’Guesso has held power since 1979, with a brief interruption between 1992 and 1997. He initially gained leadership through a civil war and has maintained his position through subsequent elections. A 2015 constitutional referendum removed previous age and term limitations, allowing him to run again.
President Denis Sassou N’Guesso has been re-elected for a fifth consecutive term, as announced by the Republic of Congo's authorities on Tuesday.
The election campaign was marked by a significant disparity between Sassou N’Guesso and his opponents, with the incumbent being the only candidate actively campaigning nationwide. The election faced a boycott from two significant political parties due to accusations of unfair electoral practices.
The Republic of Congo faces substantial economic challenges, including international debt at 94.5% of its GDP and high unemployment rates among the youth. More than half of the population lives in poverty, with 47% under the age of 18.
Sassou N’Guesso's re-election aligns with a broader trend of long-serving African leaders. He is currently the third-longest-serving president in Africa.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
