President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani Re-Elected in Mauritania Amidst Allegations of Fraud

 

Following his national poll victory on Saturday, Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani has secured re-election for a second term with 56.1% of the votes in the first round. His main rival, anti-slavery campaigner Biram Dah Abeid, received 22.1% and has challenged the results, alleging fraud. With a voter turnout of 55% from the 2 million eligible voters, the independent electoral commission (CENI) confirmed the results on Monday, pending verification by the constitutional court.

CENI spokesman Taghioullah Ledhem reported no official complaints or anomalies so far, though some opposition candidates have questioned the commission's impartiality. The commission's panel, composed of political party representatives and led by a government-appointed president, has faced accusations of collusion with Ghazouani’s administration.

Abeid, claiming to be the rightful winner, denounced the interim results as an “electoral coup d’état” and accused the commission of artificially inflating Ghazouani's votes. From his Riadh mansion, Abeid called for military and security forces to resist government control and encouraged civil disobedience, asserting that the struggle will continue until the end.

Despite allegations of mismanagement and corruption from his opponent, former army head Ghazouani remains popular among Mauritanians, who view him as a stabilizing figure amid regional unrest, including military coups and Islamist activity in neighboring countries.

Mauritania, rich in natural resources like iron ore, copper, zinc, phosphate, gold, oil, and natural gas, is set to become a gas producer with the anticipated launch of the BP-operated Greater Tortue Ahmeyin offshore gas project near the Senegal border by year-end. However, nearly 60% of the population lives in poverty, primarily in farming or informal employment. Many young people seek opportunities in Europe, with some attempting to reach the United States through Mexico.

Ghazouani’s re-election reinforces Mauritania’s role as a key ally in a region plagued by instability and violence.

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