Published on 21/12/2023
The conclusion of voting in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) marks the initiation of the vote-counting process in Lubumbashi, a southern town in the vast central African nation.
The elections unfolded amidst economic challenges and accusations of irregularities, with incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi contending against a fragmented opposition. Concerns about potential chaos and electoral irregularities have been raised by opposition leaders, further intensifying the complexity of the high-stakes political landscape.
President Tshisekedi, overseeing years of economic growth, faces criticism for minimal job creation and escalating inflation. The voting process has been marred by administrative chaos and delays, raising fears about the electoral commission’s preparedness for a ballot in a country comparable in size to continental Western Europe.
Key contenders for the presidency include gynaecologist Denis Mukwege and business magnate Moise Katumbi, both influential figures in their own right. Mukwege, a 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate for his work with rape victims, symbolizes a commitment to human rights and social justice. Katumbi, a former provincial governor, brings a business-oriented perspective to politics. However, both have expressed concerns about irregularities in the electoral process.
Reports have emerged about voters discovering their names missing from the electoral roll, adding another layer of complexity to an already tumultuous election. The Democratic Republic of Congo, known as Africa’s top copper producer and the world’s leading producer of cobalt, remains a crucial player in the global economy.
