Amidst an atmosphere of controversy and allegations, three opposition candidates of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) December presidential election are rousing for protest. Martin Fayulu, Moise Katumbi and Floribert Anzuluni, have called for public signs of dissent this Saturday to coincide with President Felix Tshisekedi’s inauguration for a second term.
The trio voiced their protest intentions during a joint video press conference. This reaction is tied closely to their dispute of the December election results, which they have heavily criticised for misconduct and disorganisation. The election was reportedly plagued by allegations of fraud, logistical shortcomings and disruptions.
Despite the numerous disruptions and issues, the DRC’s electoral commission (CENI) asserted that the election concluded with Tshisekedi winning over 70% of the vote; Katumbi garnered 18% and Martin Fayulu received just over 5%. Katumbi and Fayulu have since rejected these results and demanded the cancellation of the election, terming it a sham.
The constitutional court of the DRC, however, dismissed the petitions challenging the provisional results and officially confirmed Tshisekedi as president of the country on January 10.
In a recent development, an EU report released on Monday accused the CENI of misappropriating $400 million in state funds. On the domestic front, the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO), which had the largest election observation mission in the DRC, issued a statement declaring the election a “catastrophe” and provocatively questioning the commission’s role in the situation.
The opposition’s persistent call for protests and the large scale international criticism raises questions about the legitimacy of the election results and exactly what will transpire this Saturday remains to be seen.
For further details, kindly refer to the original news report here.