Mauritania’s political landscape is gearing up for a significant shift as the opposition party announced its leader’s candidacy for the upcoming presidential election slated for June 29.
This marks the first time in 15 years that the opposition party has put forth a contender for the presidency. Hamadi Ould Sid’ El Moctar, representing the National Rally for Reform and Development, also known as Tewassoul, emerged as the chosen candidate.
Established in 2007, Tewassoul has risen to become the primary opposition force in the Mauritanian parliament, boasting 11 out of 176 seats.
Having boycotted the presidential election in 2014 and supporting an external candidate in 2019, Tewassoul’s decision to field a candidate signals a strategic shift in its approach to national politics.
Meanwhile, incumbent President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, who declared his candidacy for a second term on April 24, is viewed as the frontrunner in the upcoming election.
Since assuming office in 2019, Ghazouani, 67, has steered the West African nation amidst challenges posed by rising insurgency in the Sahel region.
The decision to nominate a candidate follows extensive internal deliberations within Tewassoul, culminating in the recognition of the “deplorable situation” facing the country under the current regime.
With aspirations for change resonating among Mauritanian citizens, Tewassoul aims to mobilize support from its base and other opposition forces to challenge the government’s candidate in the upcoming polls.
Notably, a diverse array of contenders, including prominent human rights activist Biram Ould Dah Ould Abeid, who secured the second position in the 2019 election, have thrown their hats into the ring.
Against the backdrop of Mauritania’s tumultuous political history, characterized by a series of coups until 2008, the 2019 election marked a significant milestone as the country experienced its first transition between two elected presidents.
Despite the prevailing stability, Mauritania remains vigilant against the threat of insurgents, with the last recorded attack dating back to 2011.
As the electoral calendar unfolds, a presidential decree issued earlier this month sets the stage for an intense campaign period, commencing on June 14 and concluding on June 27.
With political tensions on the rise and the electorate eager for change, the forthcoming election promises to shape Mauritania’s democratic trajectory for years to come.
