Djibouti’s President Ismael Omar Guelleh has won re-election with 97.8% of the vote, securing a sixth term in office, according to state broadcaster Radio Television Djibouti.
Guelleh, 78, confirmed the result in a post on X, sharing an image of himself with the word “RÉÉLU” (“re-elected”).
The result extends his rule over the Horn of Africa nation, which he has led since 1999 after succeeding his uncle, Hassan Gouled Aptidon.
His only opponent, Mohamed Farah Samatar, received 2.19% of the vote. Samatar represents a small opposition party with no seats in parliament.
Two major opposition parties stayed out of the race, continuing a boycott that began in 2016. They say elections are not fair.
Officials said voter turnout was 80.4%.
“Reelected,” Guelleh wrote as results were announced.
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The election followed constitutional changes that removed the age limit of 75 for presidential candidates, allowing him to run again.
“By the grace of God, we have arrived here, and we hope that this will end in victory,” Guelleh said after voting in Djibouti City.
Djibouti sits at a key point on the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. It hosts military bases from countries including the United States, China, France, Italy and Japan.
Guelleh has often pointed to stability as his main achievement, especially compared to nearby Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
Human rights groups have accused the government of limiting political freedom and cracking down on critics. The government denies this.
The final result still needs approval from the constitutional council before Guelleh is sworn in again for another five-year term.