Congo Republic's Sassou Nguesso extends 42-year rule in landslide vote

Diplomats and political analysts had expected an easy victory for Sassou, 82, who faced six little-known challengers in a race managed by the ruling Congolese Labour Party.

The main opposition parties did not field candidates, citing a lack of transparency. Two prominent opposition figures, General Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko and Andre Okombi Salissa, have been in jail for nearly a decade.

Ahead of the vote, human rights activists were arrested, several opposition parties were suspended, and public gatherings were closely monitored, according to Congolese human rights activist Joe Washington Ebina. Sunday's voting was also affected by late openings at some polling stations and a nationwide internet blackout.

More than 3.2 million Congolese were registered to vote. State television reported on Tuesday, March 17, a turnout of 84.65%, higher than the nearly 68% recorded in 2021, when Sassou won his previous five-year term with 88.4% of the vote.

Sassou's closest challenger, Mabio Mavoungou Zinga, a 69-year-old retired customs inspector and former member of parliament, secured 1.48% of the vote.

Defeated candidates have five days to file a challenge, while the Constitutional Court has 15 days to review them before announcing final results.

Sassou, a former paratrooper, first took power in 1979. He lost the country’s first multi-party elections in 1992 but returned to power in 1997 after a civil war. A constitutional change in 2015 removed term limits and the presidential age cap, allowing him to run for an additional five-year term. This latest term is expected to be his last, placing attention on succession within the ruling party.

The country’s economy, which depends heavily on oil, has stabilised in recent years after a prolonged downturn. Congo completed a three-year International Monetary Fund programme last year. However, over half of the population lives in poverty, and many lack reliable access to electricity, running water, and basic healthcare, according to the World Bank.

Congo has also faced ongoing allegations of corruption, with French and U.S. prosecutors investigating assets held abroad by members of Sassou’s close family. Rights groups state that political space has narrowed in recent years, pointing to arrests of activists and the suspension of political parties.