Devendra Kumar
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s presidential election has been marked by lengthy delays and logistical and security challenges, raising questions about the credibility of the vote. Voting was extended on Wednesday, with the election commission aiming to allow every eligible voter to cast their ballot, even if it means extending the process into Thursday. This comes as the country faces the daunting task of getting almost half its population, some 44 million people, to the polls, including millions who have been displaced by conflict in the east.
The election has been complicated by a lack of voter registration, with 1.5 million people unable to register due to fighting in the east. This has left many voters struggling to cast their ballots, as well as casting doubts on the credibility of the vote. Authorities have scrambled to finalise preparations, but the process has been beset by delays, with voters waiting for hours in line.
Some voters have reported finding their names missing from voting lists, while others have been turned away due to smudged ink on their voting cards. This has led to frustration and anger, with some voters arguing and even trying to push past police officers guarding polling stations. The lack of a transparent voter registration list has also added to concerns about the integrity of the vote.
The election is seen as crucial to the country’s future, with the winner set to determine the direction of the country and potentially having implications for the region. Analysts have warned that any questionable result could drive the country further into turmoil, potentially contributing to military takeovers and autocracy in Africa.
The opposition remains fractured, with some candidates calling for voters to stay at polling stations and monitor the results. However, the ruling party’s candidate, President Felix Tshisekedi, is seen as the likely favourite, having spent much of his presidency trying to consolidate power and deal with a crisis of legitimacy following a contested election five years ago.
The uncertainty surrounding the election has prompted calls for a speedy resolution, with the director of the international observation mission for the Carter Centre urging the need to manage people’s expectations and reveal the results as soon as possible. As the election continues, concerns about the credibility of the vote remain high, with many wondering whether the process will ultimately produce a result that is seen as legitimate by the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo.