On Saturday, June 29, 2024, approximately 1.8
million Mauritanians are expected to cast their votes to elect their next
president. Seven presidential candidates, including the incumbent president Mohammed
Ould Ghazouani, will face each other in the first round of the elections.
Incumbent President Mohammed Ould Ghazouani, having been elected into office in 2019, is eligible for re-election for a five-year term according to the country's constitution.
The election of Mohamed Ould Ghazouani in 2019 was the first democratic transition of presidential power in the country's history since it attained independence in 1960. Despite high expectations that he would re-elected for a second term, political tensions persist, particularly on the back of the country's history of coups. Since assuming office in 2019, Mohammed Ould Ghazouani, who also serves as the Chairman of the African Union, has led the country towards greater stability amidst the rising threat of jihadism from the Sahel region.
The electoral campaign commenced on June 14 and concluded on June 27. The first round of voting is scheduled for June 29, with a potential second round to be held on July 14.
Who are the main contenders?
The
incumbent president, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, has announced his intention to run for
reelection. "I have deemed it appropriate to address you directly, dear
compatriots, through this letter, to inform you of my decision to present
myself to you, so that you renew your confidence in me for a new term," the
67-year-old said in a statement on April 24.
His main contenders include Elid Mohameden Mbareck, a lawyer, congressman, and activist; Hamadi Ould Sid’ El Moctar, leader of the Islamist opposition party Tawassoul; and Biram Ould Dah Ould Abeid, congressman and a prominent human rights advocate, who finished second in the 2019 presidential elections.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz,, who served as president of the country from 2009 to 2019, has been disqualified from contesting in the upcoming elections. Last year, Mr. Abdel Aziz was jailed for five years in prison for corruption.
Mauritania’s Electoral System
According to Article 26 of the country's constitution,
the president is elected for a five-year term using a two-round system. If no
candidate secures an absolute majority of the votes in the first round, a
second round is conducted between the top two candidates who received the most
votes.
A person elected as president is limited to
serving only two terms, totaling a maximum of ten years in office cumulatively.
Who qualifies to contest for president?
To be eligible to contest as a president of
Mauritania, a person must:
- Be a citizen of Mauritania between 40 and 75
(on the day of the first round) who has not had their civil and political
rights removed.
- Be a Muslim
When does the election happen?
The election of a new president is required to
take place between 30 and 45 days before the expiration of the term of the
incumbent president.
Who can vote?
To be eligible to vote, a person must:
- Be a Mauritania citizen
- Be at least18 years of age
- Be registered on the voter register
- Enjoy full civil and political rights
Who cannot vote?
A person is not eligible to vote if they are:
- Convicted of a felony or misdemeanor resulting
in more than three months of imprisonment without a suspended sentence, or to
more than a six-month suspended sentence, unless rehabilitated.
- Not mentally sound
Key issues for voters
As the election date approaches, voters are
contemplating key issues that resonate with them. One major concern is
corruption. Despite President Ghazouani's efforts in combating corruption
since his election in 2019, critics argue that his focus has predominantly
targeted political opponents, including his predecessor who was sentenced to
prison last year for corruption.
Another significant challenge is the issue of freedom of speech. Many opposition members and journalists who criticize the government face arrest, highlighting ongoing concerns about freedom of expression in the country.
Follow the African
Elections Project on Facebook and Twitter @Africanelection for more updates.