Polls open in Congo as main opposition party boycotts election

President Nguesso seeking to extend his 36-year reign while critics say vote won’t be free and fair.

Polls have opened in the Republic of Congo’s presidential election that is boycotted by the main opposition party and attacked by critics as tilted towards veteran leader Denis Sassou Nguesso. Voting centres opened at 7am (06:00 GMT) and will close at 5pm (16:00 GMT). More than 2.5 million voters have registered to take part in the election which Nguesso, 77, is widely expected to win against six contenders.