Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo, December 20, 2023 – Polling stations across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) opened today for a high-stakes general election, with incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi facing off against a fragmented opposition. The electoral process, crucial for the nation’s political landscape, is taking place against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts in the eastern part of the country.
The day began with the opening of polling stations at 6 a.m., varying between 0400 GMT in the east and 0500 GMT in the west, with a closing set for 5 p.m. local time. However, reports suggest that delays and bureaucratic challenges have marred the voting process in several cities.
In the eastern city of Goma, a 30-year-old voter expressed frustration, waiting in line for three hours and stating, “We’re tired. It’s always a mess here.” Logistical issues have plagued the election organisation, with the electoral commission struggling to transport voting materials to polling booths on time. In the capital, Kinshasa, many polling booths had not opened by the morning.
Despite the challenges, the government declared a bank holiday for Wednesday, closing borders and suspending domestic flights. Voters who are still in line at 5 pm will be given tokens, and polling booths will remain open until they cast their votes, according to an official from the electoral commission.
Approximately 44 million Congolese, out of a population of 100 million, are registered to vote for their president, lawmakers, and local councilors. With over 100,000 candidates running for various positions, the counting process is set to begin immediately after polling stations close, but official results are not expected for several days.
A sizable number of observation missions, including one run by a coalition of Catholic and Protestant churches with 25,000 observers, will keep an eye on the voting process. Leaders of this influential mission have committed to conducting a “parallel count” for the presidential election.
Incumbent President Tshisekedi, 60, faces 18 challengers in his bid for a second five-year term. Despite a mixed record of economic growth with little job creation and soaring inflation, Tshisekedi is considered the front-runner in the single-round presidential vote.
Throughout the campaign, Tshisekedi criticised what he referred to as “foreign candidates,” suggesting that they have dual loyalties and lack the will to stand up to alleged foreign interference in the DRC. Businessman Moise Katumbi, a primary target of such attacks, faces a challenging race.
The electoral campaign was overshadowed by armed conflict in the eastern DRC, where militias have plagued the region for decades. Ongoing tensions with the M23 group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have led to capturing territory and preventing citizens in affected areas from voting.
Other notable candidates include Martin Fayulu, a former oil executive, and Denis Mukwege, a Nobel Peace Prize-winning gynaecologist. All major opposition candidates express suspicion of potential electoral fraud by the government.
As citizens cast their votes, the nation holds its breath, anticipating the outcome that will shape the future of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
