2026 Republic of the Congo presidential election
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15 March 2026
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 Republic of the Congo portal |
Presidential elections are scheduled to be held in the Republic of the Congo on 15 March 2026.[1] Incumbent president Denis Sassou Nguesso has been in power since 1997, and removed the age limit for the president in 2015. The Rally for Democracy and Development, Movement of Republicans, and the People's Party formed the Alliance for Democratic Alternation in 2026 to contest the election.
Electoral system
[edit]The President of the Republic of the Congo is elected for a five-year term, with the possibility of a maximum of two re-elections. In the election, only the candidate who obtains an absolute majority of valid votes is elected. If no candidate reaches that majority, the two candidates with the highest votes face a second round twenty-one days after the results are announced by the Constitutional Court.[2] The age limit of 70 years was removed by a referendum in 2015.[3] A revision of the electoral rolls began in September and lasted until December 2025.[4]
Background
[edit]Denis Sassou Nguesso has been president of the Republic of the Congo since 1997, and previously held the position from 1979 to 1992.[3] He won the 2002, 2009, 2016, and 2021 elections.[5]
The 2021 election was boycotted by the Pan-African Union for Social Democracy (UPADS). Freedom House gave the Republic of the Congo a 2/40 for political rights in its 2024 report.[6]
Candidates
[edit]In 2023, the Rally for Democracy and Development (RDD), Movement of Republicans (MR), and the People's Party (PAPE) formed a united opposition, the Alliance for Democratic Alternation in 2026 (2AD2026). RDD was the political party of Joachim Yhombi-Opango, who served as president from 1977 to 1979.[5][7]
Lassy Mbouity, the leader of Les Socialistes Congolais, declared his candidacy for the election. However, he was kidnapped on 11 May 2025.[8]
Nguesso's son Denis-Christel Sassou Nguesso was elected to the National Assembly. It was believed that Nguesso is grooming his son to succeed him.[9][10] However, in December 2025, the ruling Congolese Party of Labour nominated the elder Nguesso as its presidential candidate following a three-day congress.[11] He subsequently confirmed his candidacy on 5 February 2026.[12]
The opposition Pan-African Union for Social Democracy said it would not field a candidate in the election.[13]
On 20 February 2026 the Constitutional Court validated seven candidates for the election; Denis Sassou Nguesso (Congolese Party of Labour), Nganguia Engambé Anguios (independent), Joseph Kignoumbi Kia Mboungou (La Chaine), Mafoula Uphrem Dave (independent), Mavoungou Zinga Mabio (Alliance), Manangou Vivien Romain (independent) and Gavet Elengo Melaine Destin (Republican Movement).[citation needed]
Campaign
[edit]Campaigning began on 28 February and will end on 13 March.[14]
References
[edit]- ^ "Republic of Congo presidential election set for March 15". Africanews. 22 January 2026.
- ^ "Congo, Brazzaville, Constitution 2015". Digithèque de matériaux juridiques et politiques. Archived from the original on 13 March 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ^ a b "Congo-Brazzaville 'dinosaur' remains in region beset by military juntas". Voice of America. 2 May 2024. Archived from the original on 4 July 2025.
- ^ "Congo begins electoral roll revision ahead of 2026 presidential vote". Africanews. 4 September 2025.
- ^ a b "Congo: a new opposition platform for an alternative in 2026". Africanews. Archived from the original on 4 July 2025.
- ^ "Republic of the Congo: Freedom in the World 2024 Country Report". Freedom House. Archived from the original on 4 July 2025. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ "Opposition coalition in Republic of Congo holds first convention". Al Jazeera English. 8 May 2023. Archived from the original on 4 July 2025.
- ^ "Congo's opposition leader kidnapped in Brazzaville". Africanews. 17 May 2025. Archived from the original on 4 July 2025.
- ^ Tampa, Vava (10 April 2021). "Sassou rules like an emperor while Congolese die from extreme poverty". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 4 July 2025.
- ^ Melly, Paul (29 May 2021). "Africa's political dynasties: How presidents groom their sons for power". BBC. Archived from the original on 4 July 2025.
- ^ "Congo president Sassou Nguesso to seek re-election in March 2026". France 24. 31 December 2025.
- ^ "Republic of Congo: president declares himself candidate for elections". Africanews. 5 February 2026.
- ^ "Republic of Congo's president says he will run for reelection, possibly extending decades-long rule". AP News. 6 February 2026.
- ^ "Presidential campaign starts in Congo-Brazzaville". Africanews. 28 February 2026.