Denis Sassou Nguesso, the 82-year-old President of the Republic of Congo, is vying for another five-year term in the March 15 election, aiming to extend his more than four decades in power in the oil-rich Central African nation.
A former paratrooper, Sassou first seized power in 1979 and has ruled almost continuously since, except for a five-year period in the 1990s. He faces six opposition candidates in a race he is widely expected to win, amid a fragmented opposition and the boycott of some major parties. Several potential challengers remain in prison or exile.
Among his challengers is Joseph Kignoumbi Kia Mboungou, 73, a veteran lawmaker and leader of La Chaîne party, running for the fifth time since 2002. He advocates political change and economic diversification, aiming to reduce Congo’s reliance on oil and tackle poverty.
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Uphrem Dave Mafoula, 43, an economist, is making his second consecutive bid, focusing on governance reforms, job creation, and reducing territorial inequalities.
Melaine Destin Gavet Elengo, 35, the youngest candidate and an oil-sector engineer, is running for the first time on a platform of transparency, an independent justice system, and inclusive development.
Mabio Mavoungou Zinga, 69, a retired customs inspector and former parliamentarian, is campaigning under the Alliance party. He has pledged to fight corruption and seek the release of jailed opposition figures Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko and André Okombi Salissa.
Vivien Romain Manangou, 43, an independent candidate and university law lecturer, emphasises institutional reforms, improved public finances, and national unity in his first presidential campaign.
Lastly, Anguios Nganguia Engambe, around 60, president of the Party for Action of the Republic, is running for the fourth consecutive time, focusing on bridging political divides and increasing political participation.
The election is shaping up as a largely predictable contest, with Sassou Nguesso maintaining a strong advantage amid a divided and weakened opposition.
