While we were still voting this Sunday in some polling stations, especially in the Lubero area (North Kivu), the Electoral Commission continued to publish the preliminary results of the presidential elections for each constituency. The atmosphere now differs significantly depending on whether you are on the side of power or the opposition. Opponents are calling for new elections to be held, while the outgoing president's teams express confidence.
Published on: December 24, 2023 – 11:21 p.m
3 mins
“Political Statement on Fraud” is the title of the press release from Moïse Katumbi and his political allies, who believe that the electoral process is “botched and fraudulent”. A press release picked up during a press conference this Sunday. At the microphone, the candidate's spokesman, Hervé Diakiese, particularly called for “the immediate cancellation of the elections.” […]. After the fraud had spoiled everything, we could only imagine a simple logic: the simple abolition of this masquerade, this farce, unworthy of the Congolese people. »
Before Moïse Katumbi, it was Martin Fayulu and Denis Mukwege who a “Sham elections” and particularly called for a demonstration next Wednesday. At Faden House, Martin Fayulu's hotel, the atmosphere is electric. Lamuka activists expressed their anger at one of the last meetings before the demonstration planned for Wednesday. For his part, Martin Fayulu says he is determined to achieve the organization of new elections, he explains at the microphone of our correspondent in Kinshasa. Patient Ligodi. “We are not waiting for the results. Fraud corrupts everything. There are polling stations, especially we know that I am the strongest, that are not open. They did not organize the elections in Masimanimba in Kwilu Provinces.”
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The Tshisekedi camp is also compiling the results
The power camp brushes aside so many criticisms and reminds that appeals are only possible after the election results are announced. “We have been saying for more than two months that the opponents were preparing the protest and not the elections,” explains government spokesman Patrick Muyaya. We remain calm, even if there were actual logistical difficulties. Now I think everyone should keep a cool head and stay calm because at the end of the day there will be a winner and that is the Democratic Republic of Congo. »
In the GB district, Félix Tshisekedi's campaign headquarters, the atmosphere is cheerful. The aim is to collect as much evidence as possible about the votes cast in favor of the outgoing president. With an Excel file open and headphones on her ears, Mireille is focused: “We received fines. And then we fill out the application and enter the results into the application.”
Mireille is one of the agents who rotate mornings and evenings at this center, all under the supervision of Jacquemain Shabani, co-campaign manager of Félix Tshisekedi. His gaze is focused on a large screen that occupies the back of this open space. He explains: “Our tickets come from these provinces. Where you see the dotted lines. Where you see the gap, our surveillance coordinations have not yet transmitted the information.” Jacquemain Shabani claims to have appointed almost 200,000 witnesses whose task it is to send the minutes and all other information about the progress of the voting processes.
The government spokesman also pointed out at his press conference that any disruption to public order would not be tolerated.
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