6 candidates add color to Mauritania presidential race

By Mohamed al-Bakkai

NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania (AA) - As the second and final term of Mauritania’s current president draws to a close, six candidates are competing to succeed him in this Saturday’s election.

Candidates in the race are former Defense Minister Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, former Prime Minister Sidi Mohamed Ould Boubaker, human rights activist Biram Ould Abeid, opposition politician Mohamed Ould Mouloud, academic Kane Hamidou Baba, and economist Mohammed Al-Amin al-Wafi.

According to observers, Ghazouani, a longtime ally of outgoing President Ould Abdel Aziz, is a clear frontrunner. But opposition candidate Boubaker is believed, giving him a stiff fight, thus keeping the contest alive.

In January, Aziz announced he would not stand for reelection, dismissing calls from his supporters for constitutional amendments that could have allowed him to run for a third term in office.

One million people -- out of 4 million total population of the country -- are eligible to vote.

"The data shows Ghazouani was ahead of his rivals, as he is being supported by more than 20 political parties," political analyst Al-Haiba Ould Cheikh Sidati told Anadolu Agency.

He pointed out that Ghazouani’s strength also lies in being supported by the traditional authority and influential members of the society -- that casts influence on the National Independent Electoral Commission and all aspects of the country's administration and political finances.

He noted that businessmen were openly supporting Ghazouani in his campaign – a move being witnessed for the first time in Mauritania. Further, all the members and heads of regional councils as well as the majority of lawmakers and army generals have also pledged their support to the former defense minister.

According to Ould Cheikh Sidati, these figures add up considerable numbers and make him a favorite in the elections.

However, uncertainty looms large over his decisive win in the first round. The factors working against him included liberation of youth from the traditional tribal hegemonic structures, increasing social awareness, and the presence of social media. Further, over the years, trade unions have also gained considerable ground in the country.

- Opposition candidate

Observers believe that opposition candidate, former Prime Minister Boubaker, has capacity to drag the regime's candidate for a second round.

"He has a real opportunity to go for the second round with the regime's candidate," Ould Cheikh Sidati said.

Backed by Islamists, Boubaker, represents the National Rally for Reform and Development party, which has a broad popular electoral base, making it the second-largest political party in the parliament as well as in the local councils.

He also enjoys the support of other opposition parties, including the Mauritanian Union for Change and the Future Party.

"It is clear that Boubaker will take second place in the election," the political analyst said.

Besides being a former official, the strong points of Boubaker are that he is capable of attracting votes of people, who are angry with the ruling majority. He is vowing to bring all Mauritanian people together.

- Surprise results

Most of the political observers agree that human rights activist Biram Ould Abeid may secure third place. He is relying mainly on the votes of Haratin, the largest ethnic group that constitutes 40% of Mauritania's total population.

Ould Cheikh Sidati says the elections may throw some unexpected results.

"The man [Ould Abeid] has the ability to mobilize votes of the marginalized [groups]," he said, citing that Haratin is the most influential group looking for a change.

While other three candidates are believed to be weak, the opposition relies on them as they can enforce a second round by dividing votes in the first round.

* Writing by Mahmoud Barakat