By Updater
President Félix Tshisekedi was announced winner of in the Democratic Republic of Congo, even as the main opposition leaders called for protests against electoral fraud’ after the results are announced.
In a joint statement, the opposition leaders said, “We call on our people to take to the streets en masse after the proclamation of the electoral fraud.”
Tshisekedi – the son of veteran opposition leader Étienne Tshisekedi was first elected in 2019 – won about 73% of the vote, and his nearest challenger, Moise Katumbi, 18%, according to officials. The 20 December election marred by widespread logistical problems had to be extended to a second day in some parts of the vast country.
Initial results from the presidential and legislative elections marked by widespread logistical troubles began to trickle in on December 23, with the electoral commission announcing results for Congolese voters living in South Africa, Belgium, France, Canada and the United States.
Congolese headed to the polls again on December 20 in a general election marked by widespread logistical troubles that meant some polling stations never opened, following a chaotic campaign marred by allegations of fraud, electoral violence, and logistical setbacks.
Some 44 million people were registered to vote on December 20 in chaotic elections to choose a president, national and regional lawmakers and municipal councillors. Out of the 15.9 million votes counted by Friday evening, it is reported that Tshisekedi was well ahead with about 73 percent of the votes in the country.