Election authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have announced that the first results from the general election are slated for publication on Friday.
The election, characterized by significant logistical challenges, saw widespread delays and administrative disarray.
In a country rich in minerals but plagued by poverty, the DRC conducted four simultaneous polls on Wednesday, encompassing the presidential race, lawmakers for national and provincial assemblies, and local councilors.
Numerous issues plagued the electoral process, leading to severe delays and disorder at polling stations, with some failing to open altogether. As a response, the country’s electoral commission, Ceni, extended voting in certain regions until Thursday.
Didi Manara, a high-ranking official from Ceni, affirmed in a radio address that the electoral commission will commence the release of preliminary results for the presidential election on Friday. “I’m talking about trends,” he added.
Incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi, vying for a second five-year term, faces the electorate against a backdrop of economic growth tempered by limited job opportunities and soaring inflation.
Despite its vast reserves of copper, cobalt, gold, and other minerals, the DRC remains one of the world’s poorest countries.
The presidential race includes eighteen opposition candidates, utilizing a first-past-the-post voting system in this crucial electoral process.
