In the dusty streets of Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania, the electoral excitement is palpable as the presidential election of June 29, 2024 approaches. Seven contenders are vying for power, against the backdrop of the hope of a potential second democratic alternation in this West African country, or the re-election of outgoing president Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, candidate for his own succession. The stakes are high, between maintaining the status quo and aspirations for change.
In this pre-electoral context, the streets of Nouakchott are transformed into real media battlefields. Posters and portraits of the candidates adorn the walls, silent witnesses to this merciless political struggle. In the Tevragh Zeina district, white tents stand up along the avenues, sheltering supporters of the different candidates in festive and musical evenings. Far from traditional political discourse, these gatherings are an opportunity for citizens to share their support and commitment in a more informal way.
Among the contenders, it is the government candidate, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, who stands out for his omnipresence in the urban landscape. Portraits of him line up along the roads, displaying messages of recognition and loyalty from the outgoing candidate. His speech focused on security and youth employment resonates with part of the population, who see him as a guarantor of stability.
However, the opposition is struggling to find its place in this surge of pro-government communication. Only the Islamist Tawassoul party makes its voice heard, with a tent set up in the heart of the city. For other candidates, like Biram Dah Abeid, the strategy is played out elsewhere: on social networks and on the ground, meeting Mauritanians in neighborhoods and remote areas.
Despite this electoral excitement, a certain resignation seems to mark the spirits. Between hope for change and political pragmatism, citizens express their doubts about the outcome of the election. Uncertainty reigns, oscillating between a desire for renewal and a well-anchored political reality.
At the dawn of the last day of the campaign, each of the candidates is preparing their final rally in Nouakchott, in the hope of convincing the undecided and mobilizing their troops. The suspense is at its height, and Mauritania is holding its breath while awaiting the verdict at the polls. In this crucial period for Mauritanian democracy, every vote counts and every voice counts. The future of the country is in the hands of citizens, who will have to choose the path they wish to take for the years to come.