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Congo President Appears Poised to Win a Fourth Term

VOA News

   Electoral officialsinthe Republic of Congosay results from the central
   African nation'spresidential election could be announcedwithin
   days.Early results MondayindicatePresident DenisSassouNguesso is on
   pace to clinch a fourth term, winning 100 percent of the vote in some
   districts.

   The vote counting continues althoughSassouNguesso'smain rival died
   suddenly as people were going to the polls Sunday to choosetheCongo's
   next leader.

   A spokesmanfor Guy-Brice ParfaitKolelas'campaign said the 61-year-old
   died of COVID-19 ashe was being evacuated from Brazzaville to France
   for treatment.

   Kolelassupporter EdgarMasombasaid he wasvery sadand disappointed
   because his candidatewas someone everybody loved because he
   waskindandhad the charisma that could bring change to the country.

   Kolelaswas challengingSassouNuguessofor a second time in Sunday's
   election, finishing second to the country's longtime leaderin 2016.

   Sassou'ŻNguessofirst took office in 1979 and served until 1992.He has
   served uninterrupted since winning the presidency again in 1997.

   The full resultsof his latest contestare likely to be announced on
   Tuesday or Wednesday, according to the electoral
   commission,AgenceFrance Presse, the French news agency reported.

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