• Denis Sassou Nguesso wins reelection with 94.82% in provisional results

• Turnout reaches 84.65% in a vote contested by six opposition candidates

• Economic challenges persist despite plans for growth and diversification

President Denis Sassou Nguesso has been declared the winner of Congo’s presidential election held on March 15, securing an overwhelming majority in provisional results announced by the government.

Interior Minister Raymond Zéphyrin Mboulou said the incumbent received 2,507,038 votes, or 94.82% of ballots cast.

Out of 3,167,909 registered voters, 2,681,587 took part in the election, representing a turnout of 84.65%. A total of 2,644,013 valid votes were recorded.

Six opposition candidates ran against the president. Mavungu Zinga Mabio placed a distant second with 1.48%, followed by Mafula Efrem Dav (1.03%), Kinyumbu Kiambungu Joseph (0.86%), Gave Elongo Melen Destin (0.87%), Manangu Vivien Romain (0.61%), and Ngangia Engambe Angios (0.33%).

During the campaign, Sassou Nguesso promoted a platform titled “Let Us Accelerate the Path to Development,” focused on maintaining political stability, reviving economic activity, and diversifying the economy. The program includes plans to modernize infrastructure and strengthen social cohesion in a country that remains the third-largest crude oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa.

Despite these ambitions, the country continues to face significant economic and social challenges.

According to the World Bank, 52% of the population still lives below the poverty line. Congo’s human capital index stands at 0.42, below the average for lower-middle-income countries, estimated at 0.48. Unemployment remains high at around 42%.

The World Bank expects modest economic growth, rising from 2.6% in 2024 to 2.9% in 2025. Public finances are projected to improve slightly, with a budget surplus of about 3% of GDP, although public debt could reach 89.2% of GDP.

Sassou Nguesso has led the Republic of Congo since October 1997, after a first period in power from 1979 to 1992. He was subsequently reelected in 2002, 2009, 2016, and 2021, making him one of the longest-serving leaders on the African continent.

Charlène N’dimon