This announcement was made by the Interior Minister, Raymond Zephyrin Mboulou, on national television on Thursday, where he stated that Guy Brice Kolelas, had 15 percent of the votes and General Marie Michel Mokokocame third with a little less than 14 percent.
This will be the 72-year-old's third term in power and his opponents have expressed their concern on the authenticity of the results and rejected them, saying there was “massive fraud” and calling for a recount.
The elections were held under an imposed communications blackout by governmental authorities to prevent opposition candidates from publishing “illegal results” and would likely remain, according to a government source, until after the official results.
Vivien Manangou, Kolelas’ spokesman, said government forces had stormed the candidate’s campaign offices on Tuesday, hurling tear gas canisters and causing a stampede. There was also said to be heavy police and military presence in places where there was opposition stronghold.
