Congo-Brazzaville Prepares for the Contentious Presidential Election on March 15

With the March 15 presidential campaign, the Republic of Congo has been in full swing since late February. Denis Sassou Nguesso, the incumbent, was the first of seven contenders to announce his candidacy. He attracted large crowds to a rally in Pointe-Noire, the nation’s commercial hub. Sassou Nguesso, who has been in power for more than 40 years, gives his people hope and new aspirations, but the public remains skeptical of the opposition’s ability to defeat the ruling party’s candidate.

The opinion was echoed by a local resident: What can we say? The PCT already has victory in hand. Do the other contenders possess the resources? I think it has already won. There are serious issues with election governance. A group of 14 non-governmental organizations, Tournons la Page Congo, has been documenting recurring anomalies in post-election reports since 2015 and has made suggestions to enhance openness and equity.

TLP Congo coordinator Christian Mounzéo underlined: The suggestions we’ve made to enhance electoral governance continue to raise concerns. Elections must be conducted in a transparent, equitable, and equal manner. However, this one is taking place in part behind closed doors.

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