The Congo Republic voted in a presidential election on Sunday, a poll expected to extend
the decades-long rule of President Denis Sassou Nguesso. More than 3.2 million Congolese
were registered to vote, but turnout appeared thin. In Brazzaville. A Reuters witness said
some polling stations saw short lines or none at all. Analysts had predicted participation
would fall below the 68% recorded in 2021. The internet was also down nationwide.
Internet monitoring group Netblox said, making it hard to see how the voting day unfolded as
residents cast their vote. One voiced hope for a peaceful aftermath. We all know that after
elections there is always some movement, but we want peace. We don't want people to fight,
to have disputes and all that. We want our country to move forward in a good framework. We
don't want war. We want the new president who will come to bring new change, rather a change
in our Congo.
Sassou faces 6 little known challenges. Two prominent opposition leaders are in prison and
others in exile. Several opposition parties boycotted the vote, saying the process lacked
credibility. Electoral bodies are dominated by figures aligned with the ruling Congolese Labor
Party. Speaking to reporters after voting, Sassou was optimistic about the outcome.
We remain hopeful that what I heard throughout the campaign will materialize today.
I say to the people that if we are elected. We will implement the program
we have presented.
Sassu first took power in the oil producing nation in 1979 and has governed almost
continuously since, except for a five year break in the 1990s. His campaign focused on
continuity, including development projects and expanding education and job training. The
economy has stabilized in recent years after a long downturn, but poverty remains widespread.
Over half of Congo's 6.1 million people live in poverty, according to the World Bank.
Provisional results were expected within 2 to 3 days of polls closing on Sunday.