Incumbent Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani has secured a second term as President of Mauritania after winning the presidential election, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI).

Mauritania Election Results

Ghazouani, aged 67, won 56.12 percent of the votes in the initial round of the election, surpassing his opponent, anti-slavery activist Biram Dah Abeid, who garnered 22.10 percent, as announced by CENI.

Ghazouani's victory comes amidst a lower voter turnout of 55.39 percent compared to the previous election in 2019.

However, Abeid has contested the results, alleging manipulation by the government and refusing to accept CENI's declaration.

Following the election, clashes erupted in the capital city of Nouakchott, with Abeid's supporters protesting and causing disruptions.

CENI chief Dah Ould Abdel Jelil expressed satisfaction with the election process and congratulated all stakeholders.

President Ghazouani's Second Term

Ghazouani's re-election grants him a second term as the leader of Mauritania, a country known for its stability within the turbulent Sahel region of Africa and its forthcoming gas production prospects.

Under his leadership since 2019, Mauritania has remained relatively stable while neighboring countries like Mali have faced violence and military coups.

Despite challenges from armed groups, Mauritania has avoided attacks on its soil, and Ghazouani, who chairs the African Union, has vowed to address security threats effectively.

Ghazouani has prioritized youth development in a country with a predominantly young population, aiming to improve opportunities for its nearly 4.9 million citizens.

Looking ahead, Ghazouani intends to implement economic reforms and enhance investments in renewable energy and mineral extraction to drive growth.