Brazzaville: President Dennis Sassou NGuesso, 82, appears set to secure a fifth consecutive term in the Republic of Congo's presidential election, held on Sunday. Sassou NGuesso, a veteran leader who has been at the helm for over four decades, stands as one of Africa's longest-serving leaders.According to Deutsche Welle, the election sees approximately three million registered voters from a population of 5.7 million heading to the polls. President Sassou NGuesso faces competition from six other candidates, though none are perceived as genuine threats to his continued leadership in the oil-rich central African nation. The election process is marred by boycotts from two major political parties, citing allegations of unfair electoral practices.Voting commenced at 7:00 a.m. local time and is set to conclude at 6:00 p.m. (1700 GMT). Observers predict a record-low voter turnout, a testament to the prevailing political climate and citizen sentiment.Despite boasting one of the largest oil reserves in sub-Sahara n Africa, more than half of the Republic of Congo's population lives below the poverty line. The country's economy heavily depends on hydrocarbons, which contribute over three-quarters of its export earnings. Critics argue that the nation's growth is stifled by widespread corruption, with significant oil revenues allegedly being siphoned off by senior officials.The Republic of Congo grapples with substantial international debt, currently at 94.5% of its GDP, as reported by the World Bank. Meanwhile, unemployment rates continue to rise, particularly among the youth, exacerbating socio-economic challenges.Sassou NGuesso's administration has faced numerous criminal complaints and investigations, especially in France, the former colonial ruler with which the Republic of Congo maintains close relations. The country also maintains significant ties with Russia, further shaping its geopolitical landscape.First coming to power in 1979 under a one-party system, Sassou NGuesso lost the nation's first multi-party e lections in 1992. He returned to power in 1997 after leading a militia to overthrow the elected government, and has since been re-elected in 2002, 2009, 2016, and 2021 amid accusations of undemocratic practices.A 2015 constitutional referendum allowed him to bypass age and term limits, facilitating his continued rule. Human rights organizations accuse Sassou NGuesso of oppressing opposition activists, with notable figures Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko and Andre Okombi Salissa currently serving 20-year prison sentences for purported threats to internal security.Sassou NGuesso ranks as the third-longest serving African president, following Cameroon's Paul Biya and Equatorial Guinea's Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
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