President Sassou-Nguesso wins Congo-Brazzaville's election

"Denis Sassou Nguesso has simply been the main political constant in the Republic of the Congo for the vast majority of the past 47 years. Many of the country's eligible voters have actually never really known any other leader in their lives. He rose to power in 1979, having already spent over a decade as a member of an elite circle of leading figures in Brazzaville."

"From a outside perspective, too, the ageing leader is widely viewed as a stable figure in the midst of a conflict-ridden region: while neighboring countries such as Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo continue to be shaken by a seemingly endless series of crises, Brazzaville has managed to remain politically stable for many years."

Denis Sassou-Nguesso secured victory in the Republic of Congo's presidential election with provisional results showing nearly 95% of the vote, pending Constitutional Court certification. The 82-year-old leader will serve a fifth consecutive term. Sassou-Nguesso has dominated Congo's political landscape for 47 years, rising to power in 1979 after a decade in elite political circles. A five-year interruption occurred in the 1990s due to civil war, but he has led continuously since 2000. Many voters have never experienced another leader. Despite seven candidates running, none posed significant challenge. Sassou-Nguesso is viewed domestically and internationally as a stabilizing force amid regional instability in neighboring countries.

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