Felix Tshisekedi has been re-elected for a second term as President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to provisional results announced by the national electoral commission on Sunday. However, the opposition claims widespread fraud and is demanding the results be annulled.
Contested Election Process
The DRC held presidential and parliamentary elections on December 30th, 2022, with 21 candidates competing to replace President Tshisekedi, who came to power in 2019. Pre-election polls showed Tshisekedi leading, but lacking the over 50% support needed to win outright in the first round.
The electoral campaign was marred by violence, with clashes between supporters of different parties and with police forces. Opposition protests over the use of controversial new voting machines and voter registration issues were also banned by the government.
[Election Results by Province]
| Province | Tshisekedi Votes | Opposition Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Kinshasa | 1.3 million | 600,000 |
| Kongo Central | 950,000 | 750,000 |
| Kwilu | 680,000 | 120,000 |
Partial results released during the week after the election showed Tshisekedi leading with over 80% of the vote in some areas. He ultimately secured 38 million votes, far exceeding expectations.
Claims of “Gigantic Fraud”
Second place candidate Martin Fayulu, who challenged Tshisekedi in 2019, has called the announced results a “gigantic fraud” and demanded the election be annulled.
The country’s powerful Catholic Church also stated that the results did not match its 40,000 election observers’ tallies. “The results that have been proclaimed have nothing to do with the truth of the ballot boxes,” said Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo.
However, the government has ruled out holding another vote, setting up a showdown with the opposition. Violent clashes between police and protesters have already occurred, with Fayulu claiming live bullets were used after a banned march on December 30th.
International Pressure
The international community has urged all sides to resolve disputes peacefully and not further destabilize the volatile nation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on the DRC to “address electoral disputes…while maintaining stability.”
The United States also encouraged “all parties to express themselves peacefully and to resolve any disputes over the election outcome through existing legal channels.”
Analysts believe foreign governments are reluctant to get involved in challenging the vote due to Tshisekedi positioning the DRC as an ally against Islamist militants next door in Mozambique.
Second Term Mandate
Assuming his disputed victory holds up, Tshisekedi faces high expectations but few policy resources for his second five-year term.
The DRC struggles with widespread poverty and lack of infrastructure, especially in rural areas where most people reside. Violent conflicts also continue in the mineral-rich east against rebel Hutu groups leftover from the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
However, Tshisekedi remains popular in cities due to his promises of modernization. He will likely continue seeking Chinese investment in roads, dams and other projects.
Environmentalists are especially focused on rainforest preservation efforts. The Congo Basin is crucial for regulating global climate change through carbon sequestration. Tshisekedi has pledged to expand conservation zones, but needs funding support.
While the opposition does not recognize his renewed mandate, Tshisekedi insists “the Congolese people have chosen change.” With less than 40% turnout though, his weak political position will hamper realizing that promised transformation.
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