30 Apr 2018 | 12:49 AM UTC
Mauritania: Opposition FNDU party to participate in elections
National Forum for Democracy and Unity (FNDU) opposition party to participate in Mauritanian legislative and municipal elections scheduled for August or September
Event
The National Forum for Democracy and Unity (FNDU) opposition party has announced that it will participate in the upcoming Mauritanian legislative and municipal elections, which are expected to take place in August or September. Political rallies may be held in Nouakchott and elsewhere in Mauritania ahead of the elections. A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are expected near potential rallies; clashes between security forces and demonstrators cannot be ruled out.
Context
The FNDU has recently criticized the government of President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz for creating an Electoral Commission (CENI) without including any members of the political opposition.
The FNDU has boycotted several votes in Mauritania in the past few years, including legislative elections in 2013 and a constitutional referendum in August 2017, backed by Abdel Aziz, which abolished the senate in favor of regional councils, among other reforms.
Advice
Individuals in Mauritania are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
In general, individuals present in Mauritania should remain vigilant due to various security concerns. Due to the threat of kidnapping, it is critical that foreigners remain discreet regarding personal details, particularly information concerning nationality, employment, family, etc.
