Congo Republic’s Sassou wins re-election with nearly 95% in tightly controlled vote

Congo Republic President Denis Sassou Nguesso has been re-elected with 94.82% of the vote, state television said on Tuesday, extending his nearly 42-year rule over the Central African oil producer.

Diplomats and political analysts had expected an easy victory for Sassou, 82, who faced six little‑known challengers in a race whose run‑up was tightly managed by the ruling Congolese Labour Party.

The main opposition parties opted not to field candidates, citing a lack of transparency, and two of the best-known opposition figures, General Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko and Andre Okombi Salissa, have been in jail for nearly a decade.

Ahead of the vote, human rights activists were arrested, several opposition parties were suspended and public gatherings were closely monitored, said Congolese human rights activist Joe Washington Ebina.

Sunday’s voting was marred by late openings at some polling stations and a nationwide internet blackout. 

State television on Tuesday reported turnout of 84.65%, though many polling stations in Brazzaville