Voters in the Republic of the Congo headed to the polls on Sunday in a presidential election expected to extend the decades-long rule of Denis Sassou Nguesso.
More than 3.2 million people are registered to vote, but the result is widely seen as predictable. The 82-year-old leader faces six relatively unknown challengers, while several opposition parties are boycotting the vote and two prominent opposition figures remain in prison.
Sassou first took power in 1979 and has ruled the oil-rich country almost continuously, aside from a five-year break in the 1990s. In the 2021 election he won 88.4% of the vote.
Analysts say the fragmented opposition and institutions aligned with the ruling Congolese Labour Party leave little uncertainty about the outcome.
Critics argue political space has narrowed in recent years, citing arrests of activists and the suspension of some parties. Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso rejected claims of bias, saying electoral bodies will ensure a transparent vote.
Sassou has campaigned on continuity, promising development projects and expanded education. Despite recent economic stabilisation, about 52% of the country’s population still lives in poverty, according to the World Bank.
Provisional results are expected within 48 to 72 hours after polls close.
