In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi has been re-elected for a second five-year term, according to official figures released yesterday by the Electoral Commission (CENI). No wonder, since the trends have already been published for over a week. However, the official results are being contested by the opposition, which is flaunting irregularities and alleged fraud without seeking to enforce the challenge in court.
Published on: 01/01/2024 – 04:29
5 minutes
The main opposition figures have not acknowledged their defeat. In a joint statementMoïse Katumbi, Martin Fayulu, Denis Mukwege and six other candidates described these results as “a masquerade, a farce,” our correspondent in Kinshasa reports. Pascal Mulegwa. They point out irregularities and demand a reorganization of the votes, without considering a possible appeal to the Constitutional Court, which they say is subordinate to power.
Disappointment of Moïse Katumbi's supporters
Following the publication of the preliminary results of the presidential elections, which confirm the victory of Félix Tshisekedi in the camp of his main opponent Moïse Katumbi, supporters are divided between revolt and anger, our correspondent in Lubumbashi points out. Denise Maheho.
With around a hundred comrades, Master Ali Sudi, a member of Moïse Katumbi's party, followed the publication of the results at the headquarters of this political group in Lubumbashi. He is in shock. “It's a fight we've been fighting for five years. President Moïse Katumbi has a vision for this country. Given the results, we are really disappointed. » Disappointment also for Jacques, the manager of a bar he met at his workplace: “We really wanted him to be elected President of the Republic so that he could change the country.” For us it is a disappointment. »
The young people of Moïse Katumbi's party also reject these results because, in their opinion, they are far from reality. They are waiting to see how they should react, explains Abel Amundala, head of the group: “On the evening of the presidential election, Moïse Katumbi emerged as the winner. It is the vote organized beyond the legal date that confirmed the fraud in favor of the candidate Félix Tshisekedi. »
A “sham election” for Martin Fayulu
A few minutes after the official results were published, Martin Fayulu gave a speech clearly rejecting what he called a “sham election”. He denounced a “coup” after the official results were published on Sunday afternoon. The opponent, who came third in the presidential election, accuses the President of the Céni Denis Kadima: “Mr Kadima and the Céni have just crossed the Rubicon. Shame on you. Everyone knows that Mr Tshisekedi Tshilongo cannot under any circumstances win a regular election in the Democratic Republic of Congo. That's why I firmly reject the sham election and the far-fetched results of the Ceni. The legitimacy crisis is worsening in our country. »
Martin Fayulu reiterates his call to reorganize the vote: “Do not accept this new coup, we must resist, as Article 64 of the Constitution requires.” We need new elections. Credible, transparent, peaceful and impartial elections. »
Read also Elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo: The Bishops' Conference is concerned about irregularities in a report
“I feel like I have fulfilled my duty,” says Denis Mukwege
According to our correspondent in Bukavu, Nobel Peace Prize winner and candidate Denis Mukwege says he is not surprised by the preliminary results announced by the Ceni on Sunday. William Basimike. Doctor Mukwege recalls that before announcing his candidacy, he had advocated a democratic revolution to prevent what he saw as a planned fraud.
“I did my part. It is up to people to take responsibility, denounce and resist,” he said. Denis Mukwege says he suffered insults, lies and slander, but has no regrets about running for office. “I have a feeling of satisfaction and duty fulfilled,” assured the doctor. Candidate number 15 regrets that, in his opinion, the Congolese people are unwittingly heading towards dictatorship
Doctor Mukwege recalls that he wanted to restore peace and dignity to the Congolese people, but the people decided otherwise, he indicates that he respects his instructions. However, he reminds us that a people who allow themselves to be corrupted, do not denounce injustice, and applaud their executioners without opposing their tyranny, are complicit in their slavery and should suffer the consequences.
“Things are moving,” said women’s candidate Marie-Josée Ifoku
There was only one female candidate in the Congolese presidential election. Marie-Josée Ifoku, former governor of Tshuapa province, came in 8th place with less than 1% of the vote. Despite this low score, she believes her candidacy, her second after her first participation in the 2018 presidential election, is part of a deeper change in Congo's political life.
“Overall, it is still difficult for women around the world to take on very high political responsibilities. However, we must recognize that progress is being made. In the Democratic Republic of Congo we had two female presidents of the National Assembly, which is quite a few. So it is clear that the train is moving. And our presidential candidacy is part of that march. Let’s demystify this male image of power. Soon after, the population became accustomed to having a female candidate in presidential elections. And I think it will go better next time. Things are moving. »
Reaction from Marie-Josée Ifoku, the only female presidential candidate
Guilhem Fabry
Congratulatory messages from certain candidates to Félix Tshisekedi
A few hours before the figures were officially announced, Jean-Claude Baende had already congratulated Tshisekedi and asked him to “take a different approach in the commitment to a truly democratic Congo”.
Adolphe Muzito also congratulated Tshisekedi, acknowledging in passing that there was a big difference in votes between the elected official and his challengers. He hopes that he “will be able to respond very quickly to the country’s priorities.”
Reaction from Adolphe Muzito after the results were announced
Guilhem Fabry
Read also: Presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Félix Tshisekedi wins with 73.34% of the vote (provisional results)