Democratic Republic of Congo votes, incumbent Tshisekedi faces fragmented opposition
In a high-stakes election held on Wednesday, citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo cast their votes amidst administrative chaos, delays, and allegations of irregularities.
Incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi, donning a blue-checked shirt, faced a fragmented opposition that decried “chaos” in the electoral process.
Tshisekedi, at 60, has overseen economic growth but grappled with challenges like little job creation and soaring inflation in the mineral-rich yet poverty-stricken nation.
Despite his supporters’ frenzied chants during his vote in the capital Kinshasa, the electoral process faced hurdles, with voting materials still en route to polling booths after the scheduled opening.
Presidential candidate Martin Fayulu, a former oil executive, criticized the lack of organization, echoing sentiments shared by other leading opposition figures, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege and business magnate Moise Katumbi.
Voters in various regions reported missing names on the electoral roll, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the process.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, a top copper and cobalt producer, remains one of the world’s poorest countries, with wealth disparities persisting.
The electoral commission acknowledged delays, and an election observer mission reported that nearly a third of polling booths hadn’t opened, with 45 percent of voting machines facing technical issues.
Despite the challenges, the government declared a bank holiday, closed borders, and suspended domestic flights.
Over 44 million Congolese were registered to vote, choosing their president and other representatives from a pool of over 100,000 candidates.
The election occurred against the backdrop of armed conflicts in the eastern part of the country, overshadowing the campaign.
Militias, a legacy of past wars, have plagued the region, with recent tensions linked to the M23 group allegedly backed by Rwanda.
Clashes with M23 fighters have subsided, but the rebels continue to hold influence, preventing citizens in affected areas from voting.
Results are expected in the coming days, as Tshisekedi, in office since 2019, faces 18 challengers amid accusations of economic challenges.
The election, marked by chaos and controversy, remains a critical juncture for the nation, where over 60 percent of the population is under 20 years old, seeking leaders who can address both economic concerns and regional security.
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