This week, millions of voters in the Democratic Republic of Congo are participating in presidential and legislative elections. Approximately 44 million people will vote on Wednesday, and provisional results are anticipated by December 31.
The winner of the most votes in the initial round will assume the presidency, with no provision for a runoff, and the inauguration of the new president is slated for Jan. 20, 2024.
Notably, this marks a potential second peaceful power transfer in the nation’s history since gaining independence from Belgium in June 1960.
Alongside the presidential race, voters are choosing 500 members for the National Assembly, as well as representatives for 26 provincial assemblies and municipal councillors.
The country’s electoral body has set up 75,000 polling stations nationwide. Unfortunately, due to violence in the Rutshuru and Masisi territories of North Kivu province, approximately 11% of voters will be unable to cast their votes.
In a historic move, Congolese in the diaspora are participating in the elections, as authorities have permitted voting from abroad.
The national electoral body has designated embassies in five countries, including France, Belgium, South Africa, the US, and Canada, for this purpose.
Who are the Man Candidates?
Incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi faces competition in the presidential election from 19 other candidates, notably his primary adversary, successful businessman Moïse Katumbi, former governor of Katanga province.
Katumbi, owner of the TP Mazembe football club, is running under the banner of the “Together for the Republic” party.
Among the contenders are Martin Fayulu, a significant rival who secured the second position in the 2018 presidential elections, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege. Mukwege’s campaign was significantly hampered by limited resources.
Two women entered the race: Marie-Josee Ifoku, who also contested the 2018 election, and Joelle Bille. However, Bille withdrew, leaving Ifoku as the sole female candidate in the running.
Electoral Campaigns
The electoral campaign, which unfolded in a relatively peaceful manner, concluded on Monday in anticipation of Wednesday’s vote.
However, Human Rights Watch issued a warning on Saturday, expressing concern that election-related violence could undermine the voting process, citing incidents from the previous week involving clashes between supporters of rival candidates.
On Saturday, in Lubumbashi, supporters of Tshisekedi’s ruling Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) party set vehicles ablaze in protest of Katumbi’s campaign. Similar disturbances occurred at Katumbi’s rally in Muanda city, leading to the suspension of campaigns in that area.
Reports of clashes between UDPS activists and those supporting Fayulu emerged in Kinshasa over the weekend. Tshisekedi, vying for a second five-year term to lead sub-Saharan Africa’s largest country, has pledged job creation, resolution of the conflict in eastern DR Congo, and increased infrastructure development if reelected.
His final rally, like Mukwege’s, took place in Kinshasa, while Katumbi concluded his campaign in Haut-Katanga province at the DRC-Zambia border town of Kipushi. Fayulu held his last rallies in Sankuru and Lomami provinces.
Katumbi urged voters to safeguard the ballot boxes, even if it means staying on-site overnight.
Why the Whole World is Watching
The global spotlight is focused on the DR Congo election due to its vast population exceeding 100 million people and abundant natural resources, as highlighted by analysts.
The country boasts approximately 70% of the world’s coltan reserves, a crucial metallic ore used in mobile phone manufacturing, along with 30% of the world’s diamonds. Additionally, significant deposits of bauxite, cobalt, and copper contribute to DR Congo’s resource wealth.
Notably, these mineral reserves are predominantly located in the eastern part of the country, which has been embroiled in conflict for over two decades. This year, DR Congo became a member of the eight-nation East African Community (EAC) bloc.
What Are The key Issues?
The ongoing general election unfolds amidst challenges, including insecurity in the east and widespread poverty affecting a majority of the Congolese population, compounded by elevated living costs.
Over 60% of DR Congo’s citizens endure life below the poverty line, surviving on a meager $2.15 per day.
For nearly thirty years, the eastern region of DR Congo has grappled with insecurity attributed to various armed groups, including M23 and Uganda’s Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). This situation has led to thousands residing in camps, particularly in the conflict-affected provinces of North Kivu and Ituri.
Since March 2022, an estimated 6.9 million individuals have been displaced from their homes due to conflict, underscoring the pressing humanitarian challenges in the region.
The Road to Elections
Initially, there were 26 candidates, but several withdrew from the race, leaving a total of 26 names on the ballot paper. Seven candidates voluntarily stepped back from the electoral contest, while three, although less influential, allied with Tshisekedi—Noël Tshiani, Joëlle Bile, and Patrice Majondo-Mwamba.
Additionally, four candidates withdrew in support of Katumbi. This group included former Prime Minister Matata Ponyo Mapon, Kasai legislator Delly Sesanga Hipungu, former lawmaker Franck Diongo, and businessman Seth Kikuni.
Despite these withdrawals, the elections still features 26 candidates. Analysts suggest that a divided opposition positions Tshisekedi as the likely favorite in the election.
