Internet access across the Republic of the Congo was disrupted on Sunday as voters headed to the polls in the country’s presidential election, according to the global internet watchdog NetBlocks.
Network data indicated a nationwide disruption to internet connectivity shortly after voting began. Polling stations opened at 6 a.m. local time and are scheduled to close at 6 p.m., with more than 2.6 million registered voters eligible to participate.
NetBlocks noted that a similar near-total internet blackout occurred during the country’s previous presidential election in 2021, when connectivity was largely cut off for about three days.
Incumbent President Denis Sassou Nguesso is seeking another term. He first came to power in 1979, lost the 1992 election, and returned to power in 1997 after an armed uprising that removed former Prime Minister Pascal Lissouba.
Nguesso has since won presidential elections in 2002, 2009, 2016, and 2021. His latest bid follows constitutional changes in 2015 that reset presidential term limits and removed the age cap for candidates.
He faces six challengers in the election, including Mabio Mavoungou Zinga and veteran lawmaker Joseph Kignoumbi Kia Mboungou.
Source: TRT Africa
