President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania has secured his re-election for a second term after winning the national vote on Saturday June 29, 2024.
He emerged victorious in the first round with a comfortable margin, garnering 56.1% of the votes.
His main opponent, anti-slavery activist Biram Dah Abeid, received 22.1% of the votes and has contested the results, alleging fraud.
The country’s independent electoral commission confirmed the results on Monday, with a voter turnout of 55% out of the 2 million eligible voters.
The constitutional court will now review the numbers before announcing the final results.
Taghioullah Ledhem, the spokesperson for CENI, the country’s independent electoral commission, stated that no detections have been made so far and no complaints have been received.
The election occurred amidst regional instability, with neighboring countries experiencing military coups and jihadi violence.
Mauritania boasts abundant natural resources such as iron ore, copper, zinc, phosphate, gold, oil, and natural gas.
The country is set to become a gas producer with the anticipated launch of the BP-operated Greater Tortue Ahmeyin offshore gas project on the Senegal border by year-end.
