DR Congo Elections: Delays Highlight Voters’ Determination

Amid the presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), countless voters confronted difficulties in practicing their democratic right. Voting that was set to conclude within a day, extended to the next, demonstrating the challenges experienced by the electorate. Many voters had to bear overnight waits at polling stations, their perseverance reflecting the resilience and dedication of the Congolese people to have a say in their nation’s leadership.

Challenges and Delays Mar the Elections

The general election in DR Congo was marked by delays and bureaucratic chaos. The logistical issue of transporting voting materials to polling stations on time resulted in the extension of voting to the following day. As many as 44 million people were registered to vote, with incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi running for re-election against 18 opposition candidates. The vast scale of the DRC, coupled with its poor infrastructure, makes conducting elections a significant logistical challenge. In some cases, polling stations only opened days after the official end of voting.

Opposition Calls for Fresh Polls

Opposition parties in DR Congo are demanding a fresh poll as the election chiefs continue to release the results of the presidential vote. The elections were marked by massive delays and bureaucratic chaos, with some polling stations remaining open until Sunday and others unable to operate at all. Provisional election results are expected by 31 December. Many opposition candidates have denounced the way the election was conducted and have accused the authorities of substantial electoral fraud.

Tensions and Unrest Amid Election Process

The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) in DR Congo extended the polling to Dec 21 due to logistic problems leading to substantial delays in voting. Several opposition candidates, including Moise Katumbi, have called for the annulment of the elections due to alleged fraud. Tensions are high, with reports of violence and unrest in various regions, including the eastern part of the country. International observers and embassies have called for restraint and peaceful resolution of challenges to the electoral process. The country is also grappling with an increase in violence in the eastern region, leading to the displacement of 5.7 million people.