1st Round of Mauritanian Presidential Elections Kicks Off

The first round of Mauritania’s presidential elections began this Saturday, both domestically and internationally. 

Seven candidates are vying for the presidency: President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, Mohamed El Amin Murtaji El Wafi, Hamady Sidi Mokhtar Mohamed Abd, Othmane Antoine Soumare, Amadou Boukarba, El Eid Mohamed M'barek, and Biram Dah Abeid.

The Mauritanian News Agency reported that 1,939,342 voters are eligible to vote, with women comprising 53% of the electorate.

According to the Mauritanian News Agency, the National Independent Election Commission (CENI) affirmed that all its committees and teams, both in administrative centers and in offices designated for Mauritanian communities in eight countries, are fully prepared to oversee and manage the voting process.

The commission noted that all logistical equipment, including ballot boxes, lists, and voter cards, has been distributed to all representatives and office heads. It praised the coordination between the commission and security agencies to ensure the election process proceeds smoothly. 

The commission added that voting would take place under normal conditions, with smooth and unobstructed movement across all regions of the country.

On the eve of the election, the Mauritanian Ministry of the Interior expressed satisfaction with the overall atmosphere of the election campaign nationwide.

The ministry confirmed that all necessary measures have been taken, including the deployment of military and security forces throughout the country and near voting offices, to ensure citizens can vote freely and safely, protecting their security and property.

The election campaign, which set the stage for the 2024 presidential election, concluded last Thursday at midnight after 15 days of rallies and promotional events.

Polling stations are scheduled to close at 7 PM local time in Nouakchott.