Title: “Presidential election in the DRC: Félix Tshisekedi at the top of voting intentions according to an American poll”
Introduction :
A few months before the presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the outgoing president, Félix Tshisekedi, seems to be the undisputed favorite in terms of voting intentions. According to a recent survey carried out by the American firm Geopoll, the popularity rating of the main opponents, Martin Fayulu and Moïse Katumbi, is down. In this article, we will examine the results of this poll and the challenges President Tshisekedi faces in his second term.
Felix Tshisekedi’s assessment:
According to the Geopoll poll, nearly half of the Congolese population says they are generally satisfied with President Tshisekedi’s record. The main expectations of citizens relate to the construction of roads and basic infrastructure, the creation of jobs for young people, the fight against insecurity in the east of the country and the reduction in the price of basic necessities. Free education is the only aspect that really seems to satisfy the population.
Survey methodology:
The survey was conducted by Geopoll via a cluster sampling method on a sample of 7,422 households. A consenting adult member was randomly selected from each household for a face-to-face interview with a professional interviewer. Verification mechanisms were used to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the data.
Voting intentions:
According to the poll, 65% of Congolese would be willing to renew President Tshisekedi for a second term. There is a slight drop in support among young people, from 67% in December to 62% in July. On the other hand, the voting intentions for the main opponents, Moïse Katumbi and Martin Fayulu, are much lower, with only 12% and 8% respectively.
Results analysis :
Geopoll experts believe that despite a declining perception of the situation in the DRC and mixed assessments of President Tshisekedi’s record, he enjoys strong support and is set to win a landslide victory in the presidential election. The opposition, meanwhile, appears fragmented and unable to present a meaningful challenge.
Conclusion :
The Geopoll poll highlights the popularity of the outgoing president, Félix Tshisekedi, in the voting intentions of the Congolese. Although challenges remain, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, youth employment and security, support for Tshisekedi remains strong. It remains to be seen how this dynamic will evolve over the months leading up to the presidential election in the DRC