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 Republic of the Congoportal |
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.
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]
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]
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 ]
Campaigning began on 28 February and will end on 13 March. [14]
