Sassou Nguesso takes lead in re-election bid
BRAZZAVILLE. — Congo’s veteran leader Denis Sassou Nguesso has secured 67 percent of votes in his bid to extend his 32-year-old rule, partial results showed on Tuesday, after a tense weekend poll.
The results covered 69 percent of the total electorate, the chief of the electoral commission Henri Bouka said, adding that they did not cover Pointe-Noire, the economic capital and opposition stronghold.
Oil- and timber-rich Congo has been on edge since an October constitutional referendum that ended a two-term limit on presidential mandates, allowing the 72-year-old former paratrooper colonel to run for office again.
Washington and the European Union called for calm as communications lines were cut for a third day. — AFP.
Comments