On Friday, the Central African nation’s electoral commission, Ceni, announced the cancellation of ballots for 82 election candidates, including three government ministers and four provincial governors, one of whom governs Kinshasa.
This decision follows last month’s election marked by bureaucratic chaos, vehemently opposed by the Congolese political opposition.
The December 20 elections in the mineral-rich but impoverished Democratic Republic of the Congo included voting for the president, national and provincial lawmakers, and local councillors.
Disarray and extensive delays led Ceni to extend the vote by one day, with some remote areas continuing until December 27.
The annulment of results for prominent figures, such as Antoinette Kipulu Kabenga and Didier Mazenga Mukanzu, was attributed to fraud, vandalism, voter intimidation, and illegal possession of voting machines.
Incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi, with 73 percent provisional votes, awaits confirmation by the Constitutional Court this month.
Despite church leaders noting irregularities and opposition politicians calling for a re-run, Tshisekedi’s victory is poised for validation.
