What's happened
Denis Sassou Nguesso, who has ruled the Republic of Congo since 1997, has been endorsed by his party for the upcoming March 2026 election. The election will include military voting and follows constitutional changes allowing him to run again. Opposition groups are forming alliances amid concerns over electoral fairness.
What's behind the headline?
The endorsement of Sassou Nguesso by the PCT consolidates his grip on power ahead of the 2026 election. His repeated re-elections, facilitated by constitutional changes, highlight a pattern of entrenched leadership. The opposition's formation of alliances signals growing resistance, but their influence remains limited. The military voting process, a recurring feature, underscores the regime's focus on maintaining order rather than genuine electoral competition. This election will likely reinforce Sassou Nguesso’s authority, but it also risks further entrenching political polarization and questions over democratic legitimacy. The opposition’s efforts to reform electoral oversight may face significant hurdles, and the absence of key opposition figures could diminish the election’s competitiveness. Overall, the political landscape suggests a continuation of the current regime’s dominance, with potential implications for stability and governance in Congo.
What the papers say
France 24 reports that Sassou Nguesso has been endorsed by the PCT for the 2026 election, with over 3,000 attendees at the party congress, though he was not present himself. The article notes constitutional changes that have allowed him to run multiple times and mentions opposition alliances forming to challenge his rule. All Africa highlights the opposition's efforts to reform electoral bodies and the low voter turnout, emphasizing concerns over electoral fairness. Reuters adds that the election results will likely strengthen Ouattara’s control in Ivory Coast, with the ruling party winning a significant majority, but also notes opposition boycotts and allegations of electoral irregularities. These sources collectively depict a pattern of entrenched leadership, limited electoral competition, and ongoing opposition efforts to influence the political process.
How we got here
Sassou Nguesso first led Congo from 1979 to 1992, then returned to power after a civil war in 1997. He has secured multiple terms following constitutional amendments that removed age limits and extended term limits. The upcoming election is part of his long-standing political dominance, with opposition parties attempting to challenge his rule amid concerns over electoral integrity.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Koudou Laurent Gbagbo is an Ivorian politician who was the President of Côte d'Ivoire from 2000 until his arrest in April 2011.
-
Alassane Dramane Ouattara is an Ivorian politician who has been President of Ivory Coast since 2010. An economist by profession, Ouattara worked for the International Monetary Fund and the Central Bank of West African States, and he was the Prime Minister