Several of the main opposition figures are not participating or have decided to boycott, citing an unlevel playing field. The 2016 election runner-up, Guy-Brice Parfait Kolelas, is running, although the greatest potential threat to Sassou Nguesso, General Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko, is languishing in jail, serving a 20-year prison sentence for "undermining internal state security".
Genuine political reform that will lead to the separation of powers is highly unlikely under Sassou Nguesso.
Despite recent scandals and allegations, the president’s son, Denis-Christel, remains the clear frontrunner to succeed his father.
The opposition will likely decry electoral fraud, while unrest in the Pool region is probable, but regional condemnation will be muted.
