Candidate in hospital with Covid-19 as Republic of Congo polls open

Supporters of opposition presidential candidate Guy Brice Parfait Kolelas cheer during their party’s last rally of the presidential campaign (Christ Kimvidi/AP)

Republic of Congo pressed ahead on Sunday with an election in which President Denis Sassou N’Guesso is widely expected to extend his 36 years in power, while the leading opposition candidate remained in hospital with Covid-19.

The watchdog group NetBlocks reported an internet blackout that began in the Central African country around midnight on election day.