Congo holds presidential vote after fraught campaign

By Ange Kasongo and Djaffar Al Katanty

KINSHASA/GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo (Reuters) – Voters in Democratic Republic of Congo take part in a general election on Wednesday after a chaotic campaign marred by opposition allegations of impending fraud, electoral violence, and logistical setbacks that could prevent many from voting.

For months, the CENI election commission has insisted it will deliver a free and fair vote as promised across Africa’s second-largest country, even as independent observers and critics flag irregularities they say will jeopardise the legitimacy of the results.

Some 44 million Congolese are registered to take part in the presidential, legislative, and regional vote. As voting day neared, the authorities sought extra helicopters, raising concerns about the CENI’s ability to open polling stations in areas otherwise unreachable due to bad roads or deep insecurity.

President Felix Tshisekedi is competing against around two dozen opposition challengers in the hope of a second term running the mineral-rich yet poverty-stricken nation.

“I have asked you to give me strength to continue the work that we have started,” Tshisekedi said in his final rally on Monday, promising to expand a free education policy if elected.

Opposition candidates have wooed voters with pledges to bring stability, peace, and the economic development they say was absent from Tshisekedi’s first term.

They and religious and civil society electoral observers have sounded the alarm about electoral transparency, highlighting issues including with the voter list and illegible ID cards.

“It is evident that the greatest electoral fraud of the century is taking place,” said Nobel Laureate and opposition candidate Denis Mukwege on Monday. The CENI has repeatedly rejected the opposition’s allegations of fraud.

At stake is not just the legitimacy of the next administration. Congolese election disputes often spark violent unrest with potentially far-reaching consequences. Congo is the world’s third largest producer, and the top producer of cobalt, a battery component needed for the green transition.

The final run-up to the vote has been particularly fraught.

Two parliamentary candidates were killed in separate incidents on Dec. 15 – part of a spate of election-related violence condemned by human rights groups and the European Union.

Ahead of election day in Kinshasa, some locals were not convinced their vote would count. “Every time we vote, we are disappointed, but if I had to vote, it would be for a change,” said 43-year-old Lucie Mpiana, who is unemployed.

Polls open at 0400 GMT and close at 1600 GMT with full provisional results expected by Dec. 31.

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