Mauritania’s current President, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, has won re-election with 56.12% of the vote, as confirmed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) on Monday.
This victory secures him a second term without the need for a runoff, as he surpassed the 50% threshold required.
Ghazouani, a former army chief, is seen as a stabilising figure in the Sahel region and is poised to lead Mauritania as it becomes a gas producer. His main competitor, anti-slavery activist Biram Dah Abeid, received 22.10% of the vote.
Abeid, however, rejected the results, alleging manipulation by the government. The third-place candidate, Hamadi Ould Sid’ El Moctar of the Islamist Tewassoul party, secured 12.78%.
The election saw a turnout of 55.39%, which is lower than the previous 2019 election. Approximately 1.9 million registered voters chose among seven candidates. Ghazouani, 67, is credited with maintaining the country’s security following regional instability.
Saturday’s election results were gradually posted online, showing Ghazouani’s lead. Despite the peaceful voting process, Abeid’s supporters protested in the capital, Nouakchott, leading to increased police presence and the arrest of Abeid’s campaign manager.