France, March 21 -- Observers say the polls were marked by a communications blackout, a lack of oversight in polling stations and turnout figures that do not match what they witnessed on the ground.

Sassou Nguesso was credited with 94.82 percent of the vote, while all other candidates remained below 2 percent.

A former French colony, Congo-Brazzaville has been independent since 1960, but 82-year-old Sassou Nguesso has dominated its politics for decades, ruling under a one-party system from 1979 to 1992 and again since 1997 under a multi-party system.

Following the vote, candidates now have until Sunday to challenge the results, after which the Constitutional Court has 15 days to review any complaints before announcing the final outcome...