Djibouti’s president wins unprecedented sixth term with 97.8% of vote
Ismail Omar Guelleh has secured a historic victory, winning a sixth presidential term with an overwhelming 97.8% of the vote, according to preliminary results announced by Djibouti’s interior ministry. The 78-year-old leader, who has been in power since 1999, faced only one challenger, Mohamed Farah Samatar, who received just 2.19% in an election largely boycotted by major opposition parties.
Guelleh’s continued leadership follows a constitutional amendment that removed the age limit for presidential candidates, allowing him to extend his decades-long rule. His campaign centred on maintaining national stability in a region often affected by political unrest and conflict.
Strategically located along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Djibouti plays a crucial role in global trade, serving as a gateway to the Suez Canal. The country hosts several international military bases, including those from the United States, China, France, Italy, and Japan, further underlining its geopolitical importance.
Despite the decisive win, critics argue that the electoral process lacked genuine competition, with opposition leaders such as Dahir Ahmed Farah boycotting elections since 2016 over concerns about political freedoms and fairness.
Officials reported a voter turnout exceeding 80%, although the results still require formal validation by the constitutional council before Guelleh is officially sworn in for another five-year term. His victory extends his tenure in a country that has only had two presidents since gaining independence in 1977.
