Congo Republic votes in election expected to extend Sassou's long rule
Outgoing President of the Republic of Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso, who is running for re‑election, speaks during his final campaign rally ahead of the presidential election scheduled for March 15, in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, March 13, 2026.
What you need to know:
- 3.2 million Congolese registered to vote
- Incumbent Sassou faces six little-known challengers
- Little suspense expected in tightly controlled election
Congo Republic votes on Sunday in a presidential election widely expected to extend 82-year-old Denis Sassou Nguesso's decades-long rule by another five years, with limited active opposition and little uncertainty about the result.
Two of the country’s best‑known opposition leaders remain in prison, while others are in exile. Several opposition parties are boycotting the vote, saying the process lacks credibility.
Polls are expected to open at 7 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) and close at 6 p.m. More than 3.2 million Congolese are registered to vote, although analysts and civil society groups expect turnout to fall below the nearly 68 percent recorded in 2021, when Sassou won with 88.4 percent of the vote.
Sassou seized power in the oil‑producing Central African nation in 1979 and has governed almost continuously since, except for a five-year hiatus in the 1990s.
He is running against six little-known candidates, none seen as serious challengers with electoral bodies dominated by figures aligned with the ruling Congolese Labour Party.
“The opposition is fragmented and lacks a strong, emblematic figure,” said Remadji Hoinathy of the Pretoria-based Institute for Security Studies. “There may be fatigue among voters, but that will not affect Sassou’s chances.”
Rights groups say the political space has narrowed in recent years, citing arrests of activists and suspensions of parties.
Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso has dismissed accusations of pro-Sassou bias, arguing that Congo's oversight bodies will ensure a transparent and fair election.
Some Congolese say they see little chance for change.
"It's an election whose outcome is known in advance,” said Frédéric Nkou, an unemployed resident of Brazzaville. “I don’t expect things to improve.”
Sassou has campaigned on continuity, pledging to accelerate development projects and expand access to education and professional training.
The economy, heavily dependent on oil, has stabilised in recent years after a long downturn, but 52 percent of Congo's 6.1 million people live in poverty, according to the World Bank.
Provisional electoral results are expected 48 to 72 hours after polls close.
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