The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has wrapped up a tumultuous second day of voting in general elections marked by logistical problems, necessitating an extension of the balloting period. The impoverished yet mineral-rich Central African nation faced disruptions as some polling stations failed to open on the initial day of the elections. The unscheduled extension of the vote has raised concerns among opposition candidates and observers, who suggest that it might leave the results susceptible to legal challenges.
Despite its vast reserves of copper, cobalt, and gold, the DRC remains one of the poorest countries globally. The nation has a history of disputed elections prone to turning violent. On Wednesday, Africa’s second-largest country held four simultaneous elections to select a president, national and regional lawmakers, and local councillors. President Felix Tshisekedi, seeking a second term, faced 18 challengers in the backdrop of economic growth, minimal job creation, and soaring inflation. Tshisekedi aims to secure another term to “consolidate his gains.”
Wednesday’s voting encountered significant delays nationwide as the Independent National Electoral Commission struggled to deliver materials to voting stations long after the polls were supposed to open. Denis Kadima, the head of the commission, announced that those unable to cast ballots on the initial day would have the opportunity to vote on Thursday. Although the exact number of affected polling stations remains unclear, voting occurred in cities across the eastern DRC, the southeastern city of Lubumbashi, and the capital, Kinshasa.
While the voting process was generally peaceful, incidents of disruption occurred, notably in the east where a polling booth was ransacked by displaced individuals unable to cast ballots. In Kinshasa, journalist Pascal Mulegwa allegedly faced assault by pro-government activists, as reported by Reporters Without Borders. Opposition presidential candidate Moise Katumbi, leading a joint statement with opposition backers, claimed to be in the lead based on their own vote count. The statement also alleged widespread irregularities in the conduct of the vote.
The Common Front for Congo, the former ruling coalition led by ex-President Joseph Kabila, criticized the elections as a parody, bringing shame to the country. Describing the electoral process as a “genuine shipwreck,” the coalition called on its members to stand by for further instructions on potential actions to be taken. The chaotic elections in the DRC have unfolded against a backdrop of historical electoral challenges, underscoring the need for careful scrutiny and resolution to ensure a fair and credible outcome.
