Voters in the Republic of the Congo headed to the polls on Sunday in a presidential election widely expected to extend the decades-long rule of 82-year-old President Denis Sassou Nguesso for another five years.
Polling stations opened at 7:00 a.m. local time and are scheduled to close at 6:00 p.m. More than 3.2 million citizens are registered to vote, though analysts and civil society groups expect turnout to be lower than the nearly 68% recorded in the 2021 election, when Sassou secured 88.4% of the vote.
The veteran leader first seized power in the oil-producing Central African nation in 1979 and has governed almost continuously since then, apart from a five-year break in the 1990s. His long tenure has made him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
Sassou is competing against six relatively unknown candidates, none considered serious challengers. Electoral institutions are largely dominated by figures aligned with the ruling Congolese Labour Party, analysts say.
The election is also taking place amid a weakened opposition. Two of the country’s most prominent opposition leaders remain in prison, while several others are living in exile. A number of opposition parties have called for a boycott, arguing that the electoral process lacks credibility.
“The opposition is fragmented and lacks a strong, emblematic figure,” said analyst Remadji Hoinathy of the Institute for Security Studies. “There may be fatigue among voters, but that will not affect Sassou’s chances.”
Human rights organizations say the political environment has tightened in recent years, pointing to arrests of activists and the suspension of some political parties.
Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso has rejected allegations of pro-government bias, saying oversight bodies will ensure a transparent and fair vote.
In the capital Brazzaville, some residents expressed little optimism about the outcome. “It’s an election whose result is already known,” said Frédéric Nkou, an unemployed resident. “I don’t expect things to improve.”
During his campaign, Sassou promised continuity, pledging to accelerate development projects and expand access to education and vocational training.
Although the economy—heavily dependent on oil—has stabilized after a prolonged downturn, about 52% of the country’s 6.1 million people still live in poverty, according to the World Bank.
Provisional election results are expected within 48 to 72 hours after the polls close.