Congo Brazzaville: More opposition candidates ahead of March polls

Ahead of March 20 Election, three more opposition candidates have registered to join the race for presidency in Congo Brazzaville.

The candidates include former minister André Okombi Salissa, who served under current President Dennis Sassou Nguesso from 1997 -2012.

“I currently live for Congo with a passion. It is for Congo, its future, its destiny which are the root of my political commitment,” he said.

Other candidates are Nganguia Engambé, 2009 presidential hopeful who will vie under the PAR (Party for Action of the Republic)and Pascal Tsasy Mabiala, current secretary of the Pan-African Union for Social Democracy party (UPADS) of former President Pascal Lissouba.

The presidential election will be held on March 20, and not in July as previously planned. In a speech delivered before parliament. Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso had indicated that it would take place in the first quarter of 2016.

His announcement has been seen by some observers as a political strategy to overshadow the new constitution adopted in October 2015, that had caused a stir in the country.

The ruling party, (PCT) nominated President Sassou as its candidate for the March elections.

Candidates of the opposition parties will have to work hard as they seek to face incumbent president who will be seeking a third term in office.