Ghazouani Wins Re-Election Amid Protests

Mauritania's incumbent President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani is set to win a second term with over 55% of the vote, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). His closest rival, human rights campaigner Biram Dah Abeid, has rejected the results, promising peaceful protests. The election, which saw a 55% turnout, marks a critical moment for Mauritania, which has remained relatively stable despite regional turmoil. Ghazouani, a former general, first came to power in 2019, marking the country's first peaceful transition between elected presidents. Despite Abeid's refusal to accept the results, the overall situation remains under control, with increased police presence in the capital. The election is seen as a test of Mauritania's democratic progress, given its history of military coups.