The people of Mauritania are eagerly awaiting the results of the presidential election held on Saturday, June 29. Vote counting is currently underway, with partial results expected to be announced on Sunday, June 30.
The election saw incumbent President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, who is also the current president of the African Union, seeking reelection on a platform of security and economic growth.
Ghazouani faced six opponents, including an anti-slavery activist, leaders of several opposition parties, and a neurosurgeon.
Despite the significance of the election, the turnout was relatively low, with only 40% of the 2 million eligible voters casting their ballots.
However, the election was observed to be peaceful, with no major incidents reported.
The outcome of the election is highly anticipated, as Mauritania faces several challenges, including high youth unemployment and limited economic opportunities.
Many young people in the country are attempting to cross the Atlantic to reach Europe, or even trying to get to the United States through Mexico.
President Ghazouani has pledged to address these issues if reelected, and his opponents have also promised to tackle the country’s economic and social challenges.