Mauritania: Incumbent holds lead in presidential election

NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania 

Mauritania's President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani holds the lead in Saturday's general elections by a large margin, according to provisional results released by the election commission,.

With just over half of votes counted, Ghazouani had 54.87% of the vote, while his nearest rival, rights activist Biram Dah Abeid, was at 22.86% according to figures published on the commission's website on Sunday.

"The last word belongs to the Mauritanian voters. I commit myself to respecting their choice," Ghazouani told reporters after casting his ballot Saturday.

Ghazouni faced six challengers in the general election but was widely expected to win.

The president has vowed, if reelected, to bring in more investments to the West African nation, where many people live in poverty. The country possesses mineral wealth and is set to become a gas producer soon.

Ghazouani has promised a gas-fired power plant from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyin (GTA) offshore gas project, which is expected to start production by the end of this year. He also promised to invest in renewable energy and increase gold, uranium and iron ore mining.

"We must not let ourselves be fooled by the slogans of the candidates who are not reassuring. Mauritania must vote for continuity and stability and its security in a troubled environment and it is not these candidates without experience in governance who will give us confidence," Marieme Brahim, a 38-year-old who voted for Ghazouni told AP news agency.

The 67-year-old was first elected president in 2019.

Though Mauritania's neighbors, such as Mali, have faced insurgency and military coups, the country has experienced relative political stability since Ghazouani's election, with no recent militant attack.

"Authorities are ready to face any attempt at creating disorder, as security is Mauritanians' utmost priority," Ghazouani said during an election rally. He has promised supporters a "resounding first-round victory."