In a significant electoral development, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani is poised to clinch a second term as the President of Mauritania, as per initial results released by the country's electoral authorities following Saturday's election. With data from over 90% of polling stations already counted by Sunday afternoon, Ghazouani has amassed 56% of the vote, a clear indication of his strong support among the populace. The 67-year-old former army chief requires a minimum of 50% voter backing to bypass a runoff, and his apparent victory is set to provide a sense of continuity and stability to both the nation and international investors.
Renowned anti-slavery activist Biram Dah Abeid, who finished as the runner-up in the 2019 presidential elections, secured 23% of the vote in the latest tally. Meanwhile, Abe Hamadi Ould Sid’ El Moctar from the leading opposition party, Tawassoul, garnered 13% of the support. The voter turnout was estimated to be around 55%, based on the majority of votes counted so far.
Ghazouani's re-election campaign has been fortified by the overwhelming success of the ruling Equity Party in the recent legislative elections of 2023. His tenure has been characterized by relative stability in a region marred by coups and terrorist activities. Furthermore, the President has actively nurtured ties with the European Union, which is poised to become a key consumer of the gas production set to commence in Mauritania this year. The country's stake in the expansive Grand Tortue Ahmeyim gas field, shared with Senegal, is expected to usher in a new era of economic growth, with the International Monetary Fund forecasting a rise in GDP growth to 5.5% in 2025 from the current rate of 4.3%.
Ghazouani's victory not only spells continuity in governance but also heralds a period of economic growth and prosperity for Mauritania, as it steps onto the global stage as a burgeoning gas producer in the region.