Incumbent Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani has emerged victorious in Mauritania’s presidential election, securing a second term, as confirmed by the country’s Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI).
In the initial round of the presidential poll, Ghazouani, aged 67, garnered 56.12 percent of the votes, comfortably surpassing his primary opponent, anti-slavery activist Biram Dah Abeid, who received 22.10 percent, according to CENI’s announcement on Monday.
Hamadi Ould Sid’ El Moctar, the leader of the Tewassoul party and another significant contender, secured the third position with 12.78 percent, as reported by CENI.
The voter turnout for Saturday’s presidential election stood at 55.39 percent overall, a decrease from the previous election in 2019.
Despite the outcome, Abeid expressed his refusal to acknowledge CENI’s results, alleging government interference in the electoral process.
Following the announcement, some of Abeid’s supporters staged protests in the capital Nouakchott, causing disruptions by burning tires and obstructing traffic.
CENI chief Dah Ould Abdel Jelil commended the election preparations and outcome, stating, “We made every effort to ensure a successful election. Congratulations to all.”
Ghazouani’s reelection secures him a second term as the leader of the expansive desert nation, known for its relative stability in the volatile Sahel region of Africa and its upcoming status as a gas producer.
Since assuming office in 2019, Ghazouani has maintained a period of stability while neighboring Sahel countries, such as Mali, grapple with escalating violence and military coups orchestrated by armed groups.
Mauritania has remained unscathed by attacks in recent years, with Ghazouani, who currently chairs the African Union, pledging to address threats posed by such groups.
With a population of 4.9 million, where nearly three-quarters are under 35 years old, Ghazouani has prioritized youth empowerment in his agenda.
Despite challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and conflicts like the war in Ukraine during his first term, Ghazouani aims to implement further reforms due to a promising economic forecast.
Additionally, Ghazouani…
Original from www.aljazeera.com