Raila Congratulates President Tshisekedi On Re-Election In DRC
Raila Odinga, head of the Azimio la Umoja Coalition party, has extended his congratulations to President Felix Tshisekedi on his successful re-election as the leader of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Using his official social media platform, Odinga conveyed appreciation to the voters of Congo, acknowledging their contribution to maintaining a peaceful coexistence throughout the electoral process.
“Congratulations to President Felix Tshisekedi on his re-election, and my sincere appreciation to the Congolese voters for peacefully expressing and realizing their aspirations. I wish him the very best as he continues with the crucial mission of steering the DRC back on course,” Odinga said, writing on X social network.
Odinga additionally underscored his optimism for a prosperous and positively transformed Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), expressing, “May his leadership bring about positive change and prosperity for the nation.” He also extended his best wishes to the people of the DRC as they strive to restore stability and guide their country toward a brighter future.
The victory of President Felix Tshisekedi in the Democratic Republic of Congo was officially declared by the country’s election commission, revealing preliminary results indicating he garnered over 70 percent of the vote. However, these outcomes have prompted demands from opposition factions and various civil society organizations for a recount, primarily due to significant logistical challenges that have raised doubts about the election’s credibility.
Businessman Moise Katumbi emerged as the second-place candidate with 18 percent of the vote, while former oil company executive Martin Fayulu received 5 percent. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege, recognized for his efforts in treating women subjected to sexual violence in eastern DR Congo, secured less than 1 percent of the vote. The election witnessed a voter turnout of over 40 percent, with approximately 18 million citizens exercising their right to vote.
Election chief Denis Kadima disclosed that the results will be presented to the constitutional court for confirmation. Opposition candidates contesting the results have a two-day window to file their claims, after which the constitutional court will have seven days to make a final decision.
The official presidential inauguration is scheduled for the end of January 2024, following the announcement of the final results on January 10.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has a history of contentious elections that have sometimes led to violence, and the nation’s institutions have faced significant trust issues among its citizens.
Before the results were unveiled on Sunday, opposition candidates, including Katumbi, had already rejected the outcome and called for public mobilization.
The electoral process encountered numerous logistical challenges, with many polling stations either opening late or not at all. Shortages of materials and illegible voter cards due to smudged ink were among the many challenges faced.
The election also had to be extended into a second day, a move deemed illegal by local observers and civil society organizations in certain parts of the country, where voting continued for five days beyond the official election day.
Martin Fayulu voiced his discontent ahead of the results announcement, stating, “If a foreign country considers these elections to be elections, there’s a problem. It’s a farce, don’t accept [the results].”
Earlier in the week, tensions escalated as clashes erupted between supporters of Martin Fayulu and the police, prompting the deployment of tear gas and resulting in confrontations in the capital.
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Raila Congratulates President Tshisekedi On Re-Election In DRC
