CONGO: Opposition leaders warn of vote-rigging risk in presidential poll
Congo’s opposition leaders warned thousands of supporters at a rally in the capital Kinshasa of what they say are moves by the government to steal the presidential election in December, when Joseph Kabila is due to step down after 17 years. The introduction of electronic voting and the authorities’ exclusion of a number of candidates […]
CONGO Opposition leaders warn of vote-rigging risk in presidential poll
Congo’s opposition leaders warned thousands of supporters at a rally in the capital Kinshasa of what they say are moves by the government to steal the presidential election in December, when Joseph Kabila is due to step down after 17 years.
The introduction of electronic voting and the authorities’ exclusion of a number of candidates from the ballot has united opposition parties ahead of the long-delayed vote on Dec. 23 that will choose a successor to Kabila.
Despite the suspension of all state public transport in the capital and the presence of heavily armed police, the rally site was thronged with supporters waving flags and hand-made signs with slogans such as ‘RIP voting machines.’
Addressing the crowd, Felix Tshisekedi, the president of Congo’s largest opposition party and a front-runner to replace Kabila, said opposition forces would remain united in the run-up to the election.
“No one will divide us. We will not cheat, anyone who cheats will provoke a scandal,” he said.