Denis Sassou Nguesso, the incumbent President of Congo-Brazzaville, has been declared the winner of the presidential elections, securing approximately 94.8% of the vote according to the Interior Minister. This victory marks an extension of his 42-year rule by an additional five years. Celebrations erupted among his supporters in the streets, reflecting a narrative of overwhelming support despite widespread criticism of the electoral process.

Critics of the election, including several candidates, have raised concerns about the transparency and fairness of the voting process. Destin Gavet, a first-time candidate, publicly condemned the alleged irregularities and noted the government's decision to enforce a complete blackout on the internet, which hindered communication and information dissemination. Such measures have led to an environment of suspicion and distrust regarding the integrity of the election results.

Activists and civil society organizations have expressed alarm over the implications of this election for democracy in the country. Ivan Ngoy from the NGO Global Participate referred to the election outcome as a significant setback for democratic practices in Congo. In contrast, Bertrand Menier, representing a citizen observation mission, characterized the situation as a “Nintendo election,” indicating that the electoral process was manipulated and lacked genuine democratic engagement. The outcome underscores ongoing challenges to democratic governance in the region, raising questions about the future political landscape in Congo-Brazzaville.