TENSION AND CALLS FOR RESTRAINT THE DRC ELECTION 🗳️🗞️😭😭🙏

 

TENSION AND CALLS FOR RESTRAINT THE DRC ELECTION 🗳️🗞️😭😭🙏

Fifteen embassies in Kinshasa have issued a joint statement calling for "restraint" following the elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The opposition has criticized the elections as a "sham" and is planning a demonstration, while the first results are starting to come in. The statement from the embassies of 12 European countries and Canada urges all parties to continue showing restraint as the vote count continues. 

The US embassy had also urged political leaders to exercise restraint and resolve differences peacefully. The incumbent president, Félix Tshisekedi, is seeking a second term against 18 other candidates, including opposition heavyweights who have denounced the "chaos" surrounding the vote. 

Despite logistical problems that led to the extension of the poll, voting has now officially ended, although there are reports of voting continuing in some remote areas. 

There is tension among the population due to the failure to hold the vote on December 20, with some interpreting it as a plot. In response, five opposition candidates, including Martin Fayulu and Denis Mukwege, have announced their intention to organize a march to protest against the irregularities observed during the voting operations. 

The African Union and the American NGO Carter Center have both highlighted challenges and irregularities in the electoral process. The authorities and the electoral commission assert that the voting was not chaotic and are now awaiting the results. The dissemination of results is ongoing.