Republic of Congo votes in election that could extend Sassou’s 42-year rule
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The Republic of Congo held a presidential election on March 15, 2026, where incumbent President Denis Sassou Nguesso, who has ruled for 42 years, is seeking another five-year term. Over 3.2 million Congolese citizens are registered to vote. Sassou is running against six lesser-known candidates, but major political parties are boycotting the election, citing unfair practices. The election is taking place against a backdrop of political repression, with low ratings for freedom and key opposition leaders imprisoned or in exile. Analysts expect a lower voter turnout than the 2021 election, where Sassou secured a victory with 88.4 percent of the vote.
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AI-ExtractedTwo of the country’s best‑known opposition leaders are in prison, while others are in exile.
Two other major parties are boycotting the elections over allegations of unfair electoral practices.
More than 3.2 million Congolese are registered to vote.
Sassou, 82, seized power in 1979 and has governed almost continuously since, except for a five-year hiatus in the 1990s.
Republic of Congo is voting in a presidential election widely expected to extend Denis Sassou Nguesso’s decades-long rule.
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