“New protest march in DR Congo following the irregularities noted during the presidential election”
A new protest march is planned in Kinshasa next Wednesday, as five candidates for the presidential election in DR Congo denounced the irregularities which marred the December 20 vote. Martin Fayulu, Denis Mukwege and other opponents call these elections a “sham” and call for the immediate annulment of the result.
In a letter made public this weekend, these candidates informed the Congolese authorities of their intention to organize this march to express their indignation at logistical problems, massive fraud and restrictions on access to polling stations.
International observers also noted irregularities during these elections. The African Union, however, stressed that despite major logistical challenges, the elections took place in a relatively calm atmosphere. For its part, the American NGO Carter Center noted “serious irregularities” in certain polling stations.
Faced with this situation, the Congolese authorities and the Electoral Commission (Céni) affirm that the vote was not “chaotic” and consider that the challenge of holding the elections was met despite the difficulties.
The demonstrators are demanding corrective measures to guarantee transparent and free elections. They hope to put pressure on the Congolese government and the international community to take their legitimate demands into account.
This march takes place in a context of political tension in DR Congo, while the outgoing head of state, Félix Tshisekedi, is seeking a second term and faces an opposition which denounces democratic failings.
In this climate of protest, several embassies and Western countries have called for restraint and asked all stakeholders to respect the results of the vote. They wish to avoid any escalation of violence and encourage constructive political dialogue between the different forces present.
The situation therefore remains tense in DR Congo, with announced demonstrations and protests which are likely to continue as long as demands for electoral transparency are not met. It is therefore essential that the Congolese authorities take these demands seriously and commit to guaranteeing fair and equitable elections to preserve the country’s stability and democracy.