Ballot counting has begun in the Republic of the Congo after the presidential election yesterday. President Denis Sassou N’Guesso is seeking a fifth consecutive term, and the final results are expected within two weeks.

 

According to the Media reports, voter turnout was low because many citizens believe the election will not bring political change. Several opposition parties also boycotted the vote, claiming the election process is unfair. Six candidates challenged the 82-year-old president.

 

Sassou N’Guesso first came to power in 1979. He lost power after the country’s first multi-party elections in 1992 but returned in 1997 after a civil war. In 2015, a constitutional referendum removed presidential age and term limits, allowing him to run again.