Mauritania's incumbent President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani has secured victory in the country's presidential election, according to provisional results announced by the electoral commission.

Ghazouani, who first took office in 2019, garnered over 56% of the vote, marking a decisive win in a field of seven candidates.

The 67-year-old former army chief of staff and defense minister campaigned on promises to stimulate investment and foster economic growth, particularly with Mauritania set to commence natural gas production later this year.

His closest competitor, anti-slavery activist Biram Dah Abeid, secured second place with 22.14% of the vote, followed by Hamadi Sidi El Mokhtar of the Islamist Tewassoul party with 12.8%.

Despite the electoral commission's announcement, Abeid disputed the provisional results, citing alleged irregularities and rejecting the commission's authority to declare the outcome.

Previously, El Mokhtar had also raised concerns about potential electoral fraud, warning that his party would contest any results they deemed unfair. Similar concerns over election credibility arose during the 2019 election, prompting minor protests.

The voter turnout for Saturday's election was recorded at approximately 55.33%, according to data released by the electoral commission.

President Ghazouani's re-election solidifies Mauritania's political landscape under the ruling party, continuing his administration's agenda amidst both internal challenges and anticipated economic developments. (ILKHA)