Mauritanian President Announces Candidacy for Second Term, Pledges Anti-Corruption Fight

Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani has announced his candidacy for a second term in the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for June 29, 2024. Ghazouani, who has been in power since 2019, is the clear favorite in the polls, with his party, El Insaf, winning a landslide victory in the legislative elections last year.

In his announcement, the 67-year-old president pledged to consolidate national unity, improve the living conditions of the most disadvantaged, guarantee security and stability, and combat corruption and the misappropriation of public funds during his second term. "Ghazouani pledged to continue combating corruption and misappropriation of public funds during his second term," according to the summaries.

Why this matters: The upcoming presidential election in Mauritania is significant as it will determine the country's leadership and direction for the next term. Ghazouani's pledge to combat corruption and improve living conditions for the disadvantaged highlights key issues facing the nation.

Ghazouani's main rival in the election is expected to be Biram Ould Dah Ould Abeid, a well-known anti-slavery activist and opponent who was the runner-up in the 2019 presidential election. Abeid has also announced his candidacy and expressed concerns about the fairness of the electoral process.

Mauritania has seen a period of stability under Ghazouani's leadership since the 2019 election, which marked the first transition between two elected presidents. Despite the rising threat of extremism in the Sahel region, particularly in neighboring Mali, Mauritania has not experienced any jihadist attacks since 2011.

The electoral campaign is set to officially commence on June 14 and conclude on June 27, with the first round of the election scheduled for June 29. If necessary, a second round will be held on July 14. As the incumbent president and leader of the ruling party, Ghazouani enters the race as the frontrunner, but the election outcome will ultimately be determined by the Mauritanian people. "The electoral campaign will officially commence on June 14 and conclude on June 27," according to the summaries.

Key Takeaways

• Mauritanian President Ghazouani announces bid for second term in 2024 election.
• Ghazouani pledges to combat corruption and improve living conditions if re-elected.
• Main rival is anti-slavery activist Biram Ould Dah Ould Abeid, runner-up in 2019.
• Mauritania has seen stability under Ghazouani, with no jihadist attacks since 2011.
• Election campaign runs June 14-27, with vote on June 29 (possible runoff on July 14).