The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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A coalition of Congolese opposition candidates has informed the governor of Kinshasa about their intention to stage a protest next week regarding the contentious presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The election day on Wednesday experienced delays, prompting an extension of the voting period, a move that some opposition candidates and independent observers argue undermines the credibility of the entire electoral process.
Election-related disputes in Congo have historically contributed to unrest and pose a risk of further destabilization in a nation that holds significant global reserves of cobalt and copper. This is particularly concerning given the country’s ongoing challenges, including widespread poverty and an eastern security crisis.
In a letter dated December 22 and shared on the X social media platform by Jean-Marc Kabunda, a representative of candidate Martin Fayulu, five opposition candidates announced plans for a joint protest in the capital on December 27. The letter expressed their intent to protest against observed irregularities during the voting operations and the subsequent extension of the voting period. The candidates asserted that these irregularities strongly indicate that the elections held on December 20, 2023, were not conducted fairly.
While the CENI election commission acknowledged delays on December 20, resulting in some polling stations not opening on time, it has refuted allegations that extending the voting period compromised the credibility of the election. Full provisional results of the election are anticipated by December 31, with daily updates set to be released from Saturday.
