Observers: DR Congo elections flawed
By Openbook Corespondent
President Joseph Kabila, who has been in power since 2001 has come under criticism for not being elected in a clear and transparent manner. The DRC is currently experiencing civil unrest due to the opposition leader's self- declaration to presidency
The Democratic Republic of Congo electoral commission has declared incumbent President Joseph Kabila re-elected, but his closest rival Etienne Tshisekedi, disputed the results claiming to be the legitimately elected leader.
The electoral commission’s chief, Daniel Ngoy Mulunda announced that Kabila had taken it away with 49 percent of the vote but Mr. Etienne termed the announcement as a “provocation.”
Kabilla secured a total of 8,830,994 votes against Tshisekedi’s 5,864,775, according to the commission. Shortly after the results announcement, several plumes of smoke could be seen over the Tshisekedi stronghold of Limete in Kinshasa amidst fears of violence.
Observers of the elections have also dealt a blow to the validity of the results terming them as “not credible.” This has served to increase attention to the claims raised by Tshisekedi who has since declared himself president.
British Minister for Africa, Henry Bellingham, said he was concerned about irregularities both in the run- up to the election and the entire electioneering period.
Four people have since died in violent clashes in the country experienced on Friday and Saturday.
