Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould El Ghazouani has won a second term in office with 56.12% of the vote, following the election held on 29 June, which saw a turnout of 55.39%.
According to the official count posted online by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), the main opposition candidate Biram Dah Abeid came second (22.10%), while Hamadi Sidi El Mokhtar came third with 12.76%.
In his new five-year term, El Ghazouani, 67, has pledged to speed up investment, build a natural gas-fired power station, and develop the mining sector in a country rich in natural resources (gold, uranium, and iron).
Despite the prevalence of jihadist groups in the Sahel region, El Ghazouani portrays himself as the guarantor of stability in a country that has stayed clear of jihadist attacks since 2011.He has prioritized assistance to the most vulnerable and youth as his key initiatives. Over 70% of Mauritania’s population is under 35 years old and are increasingly leaving for Europe or the United States, driven by hopes for a better life.
After a first term hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic and the repercussions of the war in Ukraine, El Ghazouani hopes to further reform during a second term with promising economic prospects.