Sassou Nguesso takes lead in re-election bid Denis Sassou Nguesso
Denis Sassou Nguesso

Denis Sassou Nguesso

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.

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