Mauritania Heads to Polls Ghazouani Seeks Re-election Against 6 Challengers

Photo : Reuters

Mauritanians are preparing to participate in a pivotal presidential election this Saturday, where incumbent Mohamed Ould Ghazouani faces six challengers in the West African nation, poised to become a significant gas producer. Ghazouani, a former high-ranking military officer aged 67, aims to continue his leadership following his initial election in 2019. His campaign focuses on accelerating investments to stimulate economic growth, leveraging Mauritania's abundant natural resources despite widespread poverty among its 5 million citizens.

The ruling party's dominance suggests Ghazouani is favored to win the election. His opponents include prominent figures like anti-slavery activist Biram Dah Abeid, who secured over 18% of the vote in 2019, lawyer Id Mohameden M’Bareck, economist Mohamed Lemine El Mourtaji El Wafi, and Hamadi Sidi El Mokhtar representing the Islamist Tewassoul party. With 2 million registered voters, key issues driving voter concerns include tackling corruption and addressing youth unemployment.

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If re-elected, Ghazouani pledges to advance development initiatives, including the construction of a gas-fired power plant linked to the Greater Tortue Ahmeyin (GTA) offshore gas project, set to commence production later this year. His agenda also emphasizes investments in renewable energy and expansion of mining activities in gold, uranium, and iron ore sectors.

Under Ghazouani's current tenure, Mauritania has experienced relative stability amidst regional challenges, including Islamist insurgencies plaguing neighboring Sahel countries like Mali, which have witnessed military coups. Mauritania has remained largely free from militant attacks in recent years, a point Ghazouani, also serving as African Union chair, pledges to sustain by managing Islamist threats effectively.

However, Ghazouani faces critiques from opponents such as Abeid, who highlights human rights concerns and the marginalization of Mauritania's Black African population. Conversely, El Mokhtar garners support from conservative and religious voter bases.

Despite opposition challenges, analysts like Carine Gazier from Concerto consultancy anticipate Ghazouani's potential to secure a second term outright in the first round of voting. However, should no candidate surpass 50% of the vote, a second round would ensue. Previous elections have seen allegations of electoral irregularities, prompting localized protests.

Polling stations are scheduled to open at 7:00 am GMT and close at 7:00 pm GMT, marking a critical moment in Mauritania's democratic process as citizens determine the nation's leadership trajectory for the coming years.

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