Guelleh wins sixth consecutive term in Djibouti presidential election
Incumbent President Ismail Omar Guelleh secured 97.81 percent of votes in Friday's election, defeating sole opponent Mohamed Farah Samatar.
3:29 PM
Djibouti's incumbent President Ismail Omar Guelleh has claimed a landslide victory in the country's presidential election, securing his sixth consecutive term in office.
Guelleh, 78, received 97.81 percent of the votes cast on Friday, according to official results published by Djibouti's state-run news agency. His sole opponent, Mohamed Farah Samatar, leader of the Unified Democratic Centre (CDU), earned 2.19 percent of votes. The CDU holds no seats in parliament.
Just over 256,000 voters were eligible to cast ballots in the election. Guelleh announced his victory on X early Saturday morning, writing "Reelected" as results arrived.
This marks Guelleh's sixth term as president since 1999. Politicians in Djibouti removed presidential age limits last year, allowing him to seek another five years in power.
Samatar struggled to gain recognition ahead of the polls. Two of the main opposition parties boycotted the election. Human rights groups have accused authorities of abuses and repressing freedom of political activity. The government has denied the allegations.