DR Congo: Opposition Parties Demand Transparent Elections in Congo-Kinshasa

Six opposition candidates who are running in the DR Congo presidential elections on December 20, have raised concerns about possible fraud and irregularities during the elections. The candidates are urging the Constitutional Court to oversee the proceedings and demanding that the electoral commission disclose the final voter list, according to Reuters.

Among the presidential candidates are Nobel Peace Prize-winning gynaecologist Denis Mukwege and prominent opposition contender Martin Fayulu. They are pointing out deliberate anomalies by the commission that raise doubts about the validity of the electoral roll.

The chairperson of the election commission had previously denied these claims. He reportedly stated that the commission will ensure a free and fair election. However, concerns about the commission’s handling of voter registration and publishing of the roll have been expressed by international partners, such as the United States, opposition parties, and the Catholic Church in DR Congo.

In a joint statement, the six candidates emphasized that the legally required publication of the voter roll will provide sufficient time to address any issues and inform the public about where to vote.