Voters in the Horn of Africa nation of Djibouti cast ballots in a presidential election where longtime leader Ismaïl Omar Guelleh is expected to secure a sixth term. The 78-year-old incumbent, who has ruled for over two decades, was cleared to run after lawmakers eliminated presidential age limits last year. The race offers little genuine competition, as Guelleh faces only one challenger while major opposition groups boycotted the vote over restricted political freedoms. Analysts suggest that altering the legal constraints serves primarily to maintain regime continuity rather than foster real democratic rivalry. The election holds high international stakes due to Djibouti’s strategic position along vital global shipping routes, where it derives critical economic revenue by hosting multiple foreign military bases, including those of the U.S. and China.
Date: April 10, 2026. Source: apnews.com