Electoral authorities have announced the results of the diaspora voting in the United States, Canada, South Africa, Belgium, and France for the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s general elections. These results show President Felix Tshisekedi leading over his opposition rivals. The voting also includes choosing the next set of national and regional lawmakers, as well as local councillors. However, the general elections have been marked by chaotic organization and concerns about credibility.
The provisional results were announced after the voting was extended into Thursday due to polling stations not opening and voters not finding their names on the registers. This unscheduled extension received pushback from opposition candidates, leading some to label it unconstitutional and call for a new election.
President Tshisekedi faced a divided opposition, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege and business magnate Moise Katumbi. Despite concerns raised by independent observers over serious irregularities, the head of the country’s electoral commission rejected criticism that the extended vote lacked credibility.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, despite its vast reserves of copper, cobalt, and gold, is one of the world’s poorest countries and has a history of disputed elections turning violent. Tshisekedi’s election as president in 2018 was also marked by accusations of vote-rigging and fraud, leading to protests in which at least 34 people were killed and 59 others wounded, according to the United Nations.