Congolese President Sassou Nguesso wins fifth term: Provisional results

"On Tuesday, Interior Minister Raymond Zephirin Mboulou announced on state TV that Sassou Nguesso received 94.82 percent of Sunday's vote. State television also reported turnout of 84.65 percent; however, many polling stations in the capital, Brazzaville, on Sunday had short lines or no lines at all."

"Sassou Nguesso, 82, was projected by analysts and diplomats to easily win the election after he ran against six candidates who were less well known. Two key parties had boycotted the elections over allegations of unfair electoral practices, with two of the best-known opposition figures, General Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko and Andre Okombi Salissa, imprisoned for nearly 10 years."

"Clarisse Massamba, a teacher who voted at the Lyce Javoueh in Brazzaville, told The Associated Press news agency that it was a given that Sassou Nguesso would win the election. Everyone knows that, faced with his six inexperienced opponents, President Denis Sassou Nguesso will be re-elected with a high score as usual."

Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso secured re-election for a fifth consecutive term with 94.82% of the vote, extending his nearly 42-year tenure in power. The election recorded an official turnout of 84.65%, though polling stations in the capital Brazzaville showed minimal voter activity. Sassou Nguesso, 82, faced six lesser-known candidates after two major opposition parties boycotted over alleged unfair electoral practices. Two prominent opposition figures, General Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko and Andre Okombi Salissa, remained imprisoned. The government implemented typical election-day restrictions including internet shutdowns and traffic limitations. Analysts and diplomats predicted an easy victory for the incumbent, who was the only candidate to campaign extensively across the country.

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