The preliminary outcomes of the presidential election in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been disclosed, with Félix Tshisekedi being announced as the victor and commencing his subsequent term. Nonetheless, the authenticity of these results has been challenged by opposition figures, who characterize it as a case of fraudulent conduct.
According to the data published by the electoral commission, it was reported that Tshisekedi had secured 73% of the vote in the single-round presidential election, with a voter turnout of 43%. In his address to his followers from the balcony of his campaign headquarters, he expressed that he had been granted re-election as president by the entirety of the Congolese population. He further stated his commitment to transparency and promised to diligently carry out his duties during his forthcoming term.
Nevertheless, Moïse Katumbi, a prosperous entrepreneur, proprietor of a football club, and former governor, secured the second position, obtaining approximately 18% of the votes. It is anticipated that the constitutional court of the Democratic Republic of the Congo will endorse the preliminary outcomes by January 10th.
To note is the fact that Tshisekedi's initial tenure in 2019 was met with controversy, as numerous observers alleged his defeat in that election. Martin Fayulu asserted that he was wrongfully denied a triumph in the 2018 presidential election, yet ultimately procured a mere 5% of the total votes cast. The remaining 20 candidates, among them Denis Mukwege, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate for his humanitarian efforts aiding women afflicted by war-induced violence, received less than 1% of the overall vote.
On Sunday, a total of nine candidates from the opposition, notably Mukwege, Fayulu, and Katumbi, collectively endorsed a written declaration wherein they expressed their refusal to acknowledge what they deem a "deceptive" electoral process. Additionally, they firmly advocated for the initiation of a fresh election.
According to political analyst Tresor Kibangula, the vote share of Tshisekedi greatly surpassed everyone's anticipated outcome. Kibangula remarked that Tshisekedi's vigorous campaign had proven effective. However, his performance in certain regions has raised concerns regarding the implications of the reported irregularities.
More than 100 million individuals, constituting a population of over 40 million, participated in the registration for voting on December 20, which encompassed both national and regional parliamentarians, along with city council members. Analysts have noted that the election was officially prolonged by an additional day owing to issues encountered and persistently continued for several days in distant regions.
A group of observers, consisting of both Catholic and Protestant individuals, has expressed that they have thoroughly recorded numerous irregularities that have the potential to impact the overall integrity of the election.
Following the declaration of Tshisekedi as the victor, the United States urged a peaceful and transparent resolution of any disagreements arising from the election. A spokesperson from the State Department emphasized on Sunday that it is imperative for all election disputes to be peacefully settled in alignment with the electoral laws of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Approximately 15 embassies have additionally implored the exercise of self-control in the impoverished yet resource-abundant nation to mitigate any potential tensions after the electoral process. Authorities have affirmed that they have implemented precautionary measures to avert any form of disturbance, particularly in the mining region situated in the southeastern area, which is under the influence of Katumbi.
In addition, it was underscored by them that any discrepancies pertaining to the election should be brought forth to the constitutional court. However, leaders of the opposition express their lack of trust in both the court and the electoral commission, asserting that the latter has surrendered to the government.
Notwithstanding the contentiousness and scrutiny encompassing the election outcome, it is imperative for all individuals to maintain composure and hold aspirations for the adjudication of electoral disputes through lawful means. Only a peaceful and unambiguous resolution can guarantee stability and progress within the nation.