Congo president re-elected in first round of voting

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of Congo

Incumbent Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso was re-elected in Sunday’s first round presidential election with more than 60 percent of the vote, the country’s interior minister said on Thursday.

Appearing on Congo’s national television, Interior Minister Raymond Zephyr announced Nguesso’s victory for a new five-year term with 60.39 percent of the vote.

The main opposition candidate, Mboulou Guy Brice Parfait Kolélas, came in second with 15.05 percent of the vote and Gen. Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko was third with 13.89 percent.

The two opponents of the incumbent president objected to the results, calling for a recount. The results will have to be validated by the Constitutional Court.

Last October, Congo voted in favor of constitutional changes that allow the president – who has been in power for 32 out of the last 37 years – to stand for another 5-year term.

The referendum saw more than 92 percent of voters agree with the reforms, election officials said.

Nguesso is 72.