In the aftermath of the recent Democratic Republic of Congo election, significant disqualifications have been announced by the electoral body.
A total of 82 candidates, including three ministers and four governors, have been barred from participating in the legislative, provincial, and local elections due to their involvement in cases of fraud and violence.
While these exclusions have notably affected several high-ranking officials, the electoral commission’s statement did not extend to the presidential election, which saw President Félix Tshisekedi secure a substantial victory.
However, the opposition has vehemently contested the entire electoral process, branding it as a “sham” and demanding a complete rerun. Several opposition candidates have criticized the electoral commission’s announcement, claiming it acknowledges fraudulent activities in the legislative elections but not in the presidential contest.
Martin Fayulu, who secured the third position in the presidential race, raised questions about the selective nature of the alleged corruption, expressing skepticism about the disparities between the legislative and presidential outcomes.
Despite the discontent among opposition figures, only one candidate has resorted to legal action to challenge the election results. Others have expressed a lack of trust in the judicial system, urging the populace to resist electoral fraud without specifying detailed plans.
The December election encountered significant logistical challenges, with widespread delays and technical issues reported across numerous polling stations. Observers noted that a substantial portion of voting machines malfunctioned on the initial day, leading to prolonged waiting times for voters, prompting frustration and eventual abandonment of the voting process by many.
The electoral commission cited various reasons for disqualifying the 82 candidates, including allegations of fraud, corruption, violence against election officials and voters, and vandalism of electoral equipment. Notable figures among those barred from participation include ministers and provincial governors.
This decision has sparked reactions from supporters, particularly those aligned with disqualified officials, who have taken to the streets in protest, labeling the disqualifications as politically motivated.
In response to these exclusions, President Tshisekedi’s party has distanced itself from the banned members, while the disqualified ministers and governors are yet to make public statements regarding their disqualification.
It’s important to note that the outcomes of the elections contested by the disqualified candidates have not been declared, with only the results of the presidential race made public.
Additionally, logistical constraints and security issues led to the cancellation of elections in certain constituencies and regions, impacting the overall electoral process.
Despite the challenges faced during the election, the head of the electoral commission has maintained that the presidential outcome mirrors the will of the Congolese people. President Tshisekedi, securing 73% of the vote, is poised for a second term pending confirmation by the Constitutional Court, with his inauguration scheduled for January 20th, provided the results are officially validated.
