Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso wins third term, opposition cries foul
Newly re-elected Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso greets supporters in Brazzaville on March 24, 2016 minutes after the Independent Electoral Commission declared him the winner. Nguesso extended his 32 years in power winning elections in the first round with 60 per cent of the vote. AFP PHOTO | MARCO LONGARI
Congo strongman Denis Sassou Nguesso was on Thursday declared the winner of presidential elections, extending his 32 years in power in a vote the opposition says was marked by "massive fraud".
Interior Minister Raymond Zephyrin Mboulou announced the results at 3:30am (0230 GMT) on national television, saying Sassou Nguesso had secured 60 per cent of the vote in the tense weekend poll held under an ongoing communications blackout.
