Voters in the Republic of the Congo head to the polls on Sunday in a presidential election widely expected to keep longtime leader Denis Sassou Nguesso in power, as rights groups warn of a tense political environment and limited competition from the opposition.
Sassou, 82, has led the oil-producing Central African nation for most of the period since 1979, stepping away only briefly for five years. In the current race, he faces six lesser-known candidates after major opposition parties chose not to field contenders, leaving the election with little suspense for many voters.
Two of the most prominent opposition figures, Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko and André Okombi Salissa, have remained in prison for nearly a decade after being convicted of undermining state security. Their absence from the race has added to concerns about the fairness of the contest.
Much of the anxiety around the vote has been linked to what rights groups describe as a tightening grip on dissent. Activists say arrests, the suspension of several opposition parties, and tight monitoring of public gatherings have created an atmosphere that discourages open political activity.
Human rights activist Joe Washington Ebina said these developments have left many citizens uneasy during the campaign period. He added that a recent forceful crackdown on youth gangs known locally as "bébés noirs" had increased fear among residents.
He said the operation had further raised tensions and "created a climate where people no longer feel safe leaving their homes and expressing themselves".
Security personnel cast their ballots earlier in the week, voting on Thursday before the rest of the population. Analysts say this arrangement can allow them to remain on duty during the main voting day.
"Intimidation and repression by state security forces will once again play a key role in sustaining Sassou Nguesso's rule. The tactic of having security forces vote before election day - freeing them to patrol polling stations - proved effective in 2021," said Maja Bovcon, an independent consultant focused on West and Central Africa.
Across cities in the country, campaign visibility has also been uneven. Posters of Sassou filled major roundabouts, while opposition campaigners were seen distributing leaflets in markets with limited presence elsewhere.
“Everywhere I look, I see only the president's face, as if the others weren’t even in the race,” said Rosalie Tsianko, a communications professional in the capital Brazzaville.
The government has rejected claims that the election is unfair or that the political space has been restricted. Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso said the country has institutions capable of overseeing the process.
“no election is won in advance”. He said Congo was equipped with oversight bodies “to ensure transparency, fairness and the vitality of our democracy”.
Some voters say they support Sassou because they believe his leadership has helped keep the country stable.
“I support him because he is a man of peace,” said businessman Roger Ennel Ahoue.
Still, a few challengers are attempting to present an alternative message. Opposition candidate Uphrem Dave Mafoula urged supporters during a rally in Brazzaville to consider a different path.
"Forty years of suffering is enough,” he said, criticizing Sassou's record on the economy and social conditions.
More than 3.2 million people are registered to vote in the election. Yet many citizens say they may stay away from polling stations because they feel the outcome is already decided.
“I prefer to stay at home rather than go and vote,” said Boudibangoyi Brunel, a student in Brazzaville.
Official figures showed turnout at nearly 68 percent during the 2021 presidential election. Civil society groups now expect participation to be much lower.
"The actual abstention rate will be very high. Congolese people are tired," Ebina said.
