Brazzaville's relations with Moscow will remain strong, incumbent President DenisSassouNguesso has pledged

Voters in the Republic of the Congo cast ballots Sunday in a presidential election widely expected to give longtime leader DenisSassouNguesso another term, extending his decades-long rule.

About 2.64 million people registered to vote in the Central African nation, with six other candidates challenging the incumbent.

Sassou Nguesso, 82, leader of the Congolese Party of Labour, first took power in 1979 and ruled until 1992, when he oversaw the country's first multiparty elections and left office after losing to Pascal Lissouba. He returned to power in 1997 during a civil war and has remained in office since then, making this election a bid for a fifth consecutive term. A constitutional change following a 2015 referendum removed the presidential age limit of 70, clearing the way for his latest candidacy.

Two other major parties boycotted the vote, saying the process lacked credibility and fairness. Critics said a nationwide internet blackout on election day undermined transparency and raised concerns about the alleged repression of opposition groups. Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso rejected accusations of repression and political bias, telling Reuters that oversight bodies were in place to ensure "transparency, fairness, and the vitality of our democracy."

READ MORE: Congo a 'time-tested partner' - Putin (VIDEO)

Supporters credit Sassou Nguesso with maintaining stability in a country shaped by past conflict. He has pledged to continue his agenda of stability and development in his next five-year presidential term, with a focus on infrastructure, education, and economic growth.

After casting his ballot, the Congolese leader told journalists, including an RT correspondent, that relations with Russia will remain strong if he secures another term.

"They are good today and they will be just as good and why not better," he said, adding that Congo will maintain ties with countries "that work for peace." 

Brazzaville and Moscow have maintained diplomatic relations since 1964, when Congo and the USSR signed a friendship treaty, with cooperation in areas including education, security, and energy. Last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin called Congo a "reliable, time-tested partner" during talks with Sassou Nguesso in Beijing.

Sassou Nguesso, Africa's third-longest serving leader, won the 2021 presidential election with 88% of the vote. Official results of the March 15 election are expected within 48 to 72 hours after polls closed.