2026 - REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

The election was held on 15 March 2026, with voting taking place from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM

local time at 6,620 polling stations across the country. Seven candidates vied for the

presidency, which saw long-time incumbent, Denis Sassou N'Guesso re-elected for a fifth

consecutive term. His victory came amidst a fragmented and largely absent opposition, with

some prominent opposition figures imprisoned and others boycotting the poll.

Some opposition members criticized the election as a  "Soviet-style" outcome predetermined by

decades of consolidated power. The government shut down the internet and blocked SMS

messaging across the country on election day. Before election day, campaign restrictions froze

out other candidates while Sassou Nguesso was the only candidate permitted to travel the

country to campaign.

Results Summary