The rise in popularity of Félix Tshisekedi in the run-up to elections in the DRC
Only four months before the general elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Félix Tshisekedi continues to strengthen his anchorage across the national territory. According to several polls carried out by renowned institutes, the son of former opponent Étienne Tshisekedi is gaining ground thanks to his achievements and his positive balance sheet.
The American polling firm GeoPoll recently published its 4th Sociopolitical Barometer report dedicated to African countries, in which it appears that Felix Tshisekedi has seriously strengthened his lead over his competitors. The two main opponents of Tshisekedi, Martin Fayulu and Moïse Katumbi, are seeing their popularity decline, while the gap with Tshisekedi is widening.
According to this report, about half of the Congolese population is generally satisfied with the performance of the President in office, while recognizing that there are still challenges to be met for his second and last five-year term. Among the priorities cited are the construction of roads and basic infrastructure, the creation of jobs for young people, the resolution of insecurity in the east of the country and the reduction of the prices of basic necessities. Free education is also the measure most welcomed by the population.
The report also indicates that the perceived likelihood of the incumbent president winning a second term has not changed significantly. Around 65% of Congolese would be willing to reappoint him as head of the country, although there is a slight drop among young people. In comparison, Moïse Katumbi collects only 12% of voting intentions, while Martin Fayulu obtains only 8% support.
Respondents’ willingness to consider alternative candidates also declines as election campaigns heat up and voters focus on their favored candidate. There is therefore no sign of a fragmented and regionalized opposition that could pose a real challenge for President Tshisekedi in December.
Despite a declining perception of the situation in the DRC and the assessment of his record, Felix Tshisekedi maintains solid support four months before the elections. His supporters are particularly determined to vote, while support for opposition candidates is fading.
This report thus underlines the likelihood of a landslide victory for Félix Tshisekedi in the next presidential election, thanks to the strength of his support and the scattering of the opposition.
GeoPoll’s Sociopolitical Barometer is an initiative to collect fast and accurate data on major social and political issues in developing countries. This survey, carried out in the second quarter of the year, made it possible to collect the opinion of thousands of households across the DRC, thus offering a representative view of the current political situation.
In conclusion, four months before the elections in the DRC, Felix Tshisekedi is consolidating his position and gaining popularity. His positive record and his achievements are appreciated by a large part of the Congolese population, which strengthens his chances of winning a second term at the head of the country. However, nothing is decided yet and the next few months will be decisive in determining the future of the DRC