Sassou Nguesso wins provisional 94.8% in Congo-Brazzaville election
Mar 18th 2026
Provisional results show President Denis Sassou Nguesso winning 94.8 percent of the vote and an 84.65 percent turnout amid internet shutdown, opposition boycott and heavy security measures, with final validation pending by the constitutional court.
- Provisional results give 82-year-old President Denis Sassou Nguesso 94.8 percent of the vote for a fifth term pending validation by the constitutional court.
- Authorities reported turnout of 84.65 percent for Sunday’s vote.
- Internet was cut across the country on election morning and remained down the following day.
- Traffic was banned and shops were ordered closed on election day while police and army units patrolled polling areas.
- Six candidates stood against Sassou Nguesso while the main opposition largely boycotted the vote.
- Oil and gas provide most state revenue and growth is forecast at about 2.9 percent for 2025, while more than half the population lives below the poverty line.
- Rights groups and foreign investigators have accused the administration of corruption and persecuting opponents, and Sassou Nguesso faces criminal complaints abroad.
- If the result is confirmed, his cumulative rule will extend to 42 years and the constitution bars him from running again in 2031.