The Constitutional Court of the Republic of Congo has confirmed the re-election of President Denis Sassou Nguesso, extending his rule for another five year term after a decisive victory in the 15 March presidential election.
According to Constitutional Court President Auguste Iloki, Sassou Nguesso secured 94.9% of the vote, defeating six challengers. The ruling upheld provisional results earlier announced by Interior Minister Raymond Mboulou, which had placed the incumbent’s support slightly lower at 94.82%.
The court dismissed a petition filed by candidate Dave Mafoula, who had sought to annul the election citing alleged irregularities. Judges ruled that the claims did not justify overturning the outcome.
Mafoula was among opposition figures who criticised the electoral process. Two leading opposition candidates boycotted the vote, raising concerns about fairness and transparency.
Authorities said about 2.6 million voters participated in the election. Official figures presented by the court indicated turnout of about 65.9%.
Long rule and continued dominance
At 82, Sassou Nguesso remains one of Africa’s longest serving leaders. He first came to power in 1979 under a one party system. After losing the 1992 multiparty election, he returned to power in 1997 following an armed conflict that removed then President Pascal Lissouba.
Since 2002, he has won successive elections, including in 2009, 2016 and 2021. His continued eligibility followed constitutional reforms in 2015 that removed presidential age limits and reset term limits.
The latest result marks his fifth consecutive term since those changes, further strengthening his grip on power in the oil rich Central African nation.
Critics say elections held under his leadership have lacked transparency, with opposition groups consistently disputing results. Human rights organisations have also raised concerns about the treatment of political opponents.
Some former challengers remain in prison on charges linked to national security, which critics argue are politically motivated. The government denies the accusations and says due process is followed.
Sassou Nguesso is expected to be sworn in on 16 April. Under the current constitution, he will not be eligible to run again when his term ends in 2031.
