Internet, social media cut as Congo goes to polls

Gulf Today Report 

The Republic of Congo presidential election polls open up after access to internet and social media services was cut on Sunday. 

Internet access was shut down after midnight, hours before the polling station was to open at 7am. 

Telephone communications however are still available, unlike in the previous election in 2016. 

A poster of President Denis Sassou N'Guesso. AP

Veteran leader Denis Sassou Nguesso has been in power for 36 years, he is widely expected to win against six contenders.

About 50 organisations, including Internet Without Borders, last week appealed to the president to "keep the internet open, accessible and safe during the whole of the 2021 presidential election period."

"Internet and social media provide a space for communication, for public debate, for researching information on electoral processes and candidates, for reporting and documenting events and results," they said.