Congolese President Sassou Nguesso wins fifth presidential term in provisional results

Re-election of Denis Sassou Nguesso Confirmed in Republic of Congo

Provisional results from the recent election in the Republic of Congo have confirmed that President Denis Sassou Nguesso has been re-elected for a fifth consecutive term. According to Interior Minister Raymond Zephirin Mboulou, Sassou Nguesso received 94.82 percent of the vote on Sunday.

Turnout was reported at 84.65 percent, although some polling stations in Brazzaville had short lines or no lines at all. Sassou Nguesso, who is 82 years old, ran against six candidates with limited national recognition. Two prominent opposition figures, General Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko and Andre Okombi Salissa, were imprisoned for nearly 10 years.

The election was marked by restrictions on internet access and traffic in the capital during the campaign period. Some voters expressed confidence in Sassou Nguesso’s re-election, citing his widespread recognition and limited opposition.

Sassou Nguesso has been in power since 1979, initially ruling until 1992 before returning to power as a militia leader following a four-month civil war in 1997. In 2015, a constitutional referendum removed presidential age and term limits, allowing him to run again. The country continues to face significant international debt issues, with the World Bank reporting that it stands at 94.5 percent of its gross domestic product.

The election results have been confirmed by state television, and Sassou Nguesso’s re-election is expected to extend his nearly 42 years in power.

Source: Al Jazeera