Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani is projected to secure a second term in office, according to provisional results from all polling stations.
Ghazouani, who has built his campaign around promises of security and economic development, garnered 56.1% of the votes, according to the independent electoral commission.
His closest competitor, anti-slavery activist Biram Dah Abeid, received 22.1% of the vote but has dismissed the results, alleging widespread fraud.
The final decision now rests with Mauritania’s constitutional court, which must review and validate the election results. However, it remains unclear when this review will be completed.
This election comes at a time when the country is increasingly seen as a vital ally for the West in a region plagued by coups and violence.
The electoral commission noted a voter turnout of 54% among the two million eligible voters.
Despite allegations of corruption and mismanagement from his opponents, Ghazouani, a former army chief, enjoys significant support from Mauritanians who view him as a stabilizing force.
Biram Dah warned of an “electoral coup d’état for the benefit of Ghazouani, who was defeated by voters.” During a press conference, he accused the electoral commission of fabricating thousands of votes for Ghazouani.
Moreover, Dah, from his home in Riadh, a poor suburb of the Mauritanian capital, called for civil disobedience and urged military and security forces not to be used by the government against the people. “The battle is not over, we are not defeated,” he declared.
“The people are not defeated and will not be defeated. We are here to defend the people until the last drop of blood.”
Biram Dah
This election took place amid a tense regional backdrop, with neighboring countries experiencing military coups and jihadist violence.
“The last word belongs to the Mauritanian voters,” Ghazouani stated after casting his vote in Ksar, a suburb of the capital. “I commit myself to respecting their choice.”
Observers reported that Saturday’s voting process proceeded without incident. “Nothing has been detected so far and the CENI has not received any complaints,” said Taghioullah Ledhem, spokesperson for CENI, the independent electoral commission.
Nevertheless, some opposition candidates disputed this view. Given that CENI comprises representatives from various political parties and its president is appointed by the government, some accused it of colluding with Ghazouani’s administration.
The African Union, which sent an observation mission to monitor Saturday’s vote, has yet to release its statement on the election.
Widespread ‘Poverty Plague’ In Mauritania
Mauritania is endowed with abundant natural resources, including iron ore, copper, zinc, phosphate, gold, oil, and natural gas.
Furthermore, the country is set to become a gas producer by the end of the year with the launch of the BP-operated Greater Tortue Ahmeyim offshore gas project, located on the border with Senegal.
However, despite these resources, nearly 60% of the population lives in poverty, according to United Nations estimates.
Many Mauritanians work as farmers or in informal employment. With limited economic opportunities at home, a significant number of young people are attempting to migrate to Europe, and some are even making the perilous journey to the United States through Mexico.
As such, as Mauritania waits for the constitutional court’s final ruling, the country remains on edge, with the potential for significant political and social upheaval depending on the outcome.
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