Nouakchott, May 12 (EFE) – More than 1.7 million Mauritanians go to the polls tomorrow Saturday to elect their representatives in the National Assembly (single chamber of Parliament) and in municipal and regional councils.
During this first round, 25 political parties seek to obtain their participation in the 176 councils, the 238 municipalities and the 13 regional councils.
The Insaf party (in power) is by far the favorite insofar as it is the only one that has fielded candidates for all seats in the various elections.
These are the first elections held in Mauritania since President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani came to power in 2019.
That is why many observers see it as a barometer of popular support for Ghazouani and a revealing index of his position during the next presidential elections, scheduled for 2024 and in which he will undoubtedly be a candidate.
The current elections have been marked by an unprecedented revolt within the Insaf party after the widespread discontent that their candidacies aroused in the different regions of the country.
Thus, many of its members have presented lists with the colors of other parties while they choose majority formations so as not to question their support for the president.
These “rebel” candidacies, even though they came from friendly political groups, worried the presidential entourage, which sent strong messages of support to the “president’s party.”
Among these messages, the direct involvement of the Prime Minister and the First Lady, who participated publicly and on several occasions in the electoral campaign activities of the Insaf party in Nouakchott and in the interior regions.
The electoral campaign, which lasted two weeks, ended on Thursday at midnight and this Friday is the day of reflection that precedes the vote. A possible runoff is scheduled for May 27. EFE
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