In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi was re-elected for a second five-year term, according to official figures published yesterday by the electoral commission (CENI). No surprise because the trends had been published for over a week. The official results are, however, contested by the opposition which brandishes irregularities and alleged cases of fraud, without wanting to go through with the challenge in court.
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The main opposition figures have not recognized their defeat. In a joint statementMoïse Katumbi, Martin Fayulu, Denis Mukwege and six other candidates described these results as “ masquerade, a farce », reports our correspondent in Kinshasa, Pascal Mulegwa. They have pointed out irregularities and are demanding the reorganization of the ballots without considering a possible appeal to the constitutional court which they consider subservient to power.
Disappointment of Moïse Katumbi supporters
After the publication of the provisional results of the presidential election confirming the victory of Félix Tshisekedi, in the camp of his main opponent, Moïse Katumbi, the supporters are divided between revolt and anger, points out our correspondent in Lubumbashi, 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 that we waged for five years. President Moïse Katumbi has a vision for this country. Considering the results, we are really disappointed. » Disappointment also for Jacques, manager of a bar met at his workplace: “ We really wanted him to be elected President of the Republic so that he could transform the country. It’s a disappointment for us. »
The young people of Moïse Katumbi’s party also reject these results which they consider far from reflecting reality. They are waiting to know how to react, explains Abel Amundala, head of the group: “ On the evening of the presidential election, Moïse Katumbi emerged victorious. It is the vote organized beyond the legal date which confirmed the fraud in favor of the candidate Félix Tshisekedi. »
A ” sham election » for Martin Fayulu
A few minutes after the publication of the official results, Martin Fayulu spoke in a speech, rejecting outright what he described as “ sham election “. He denounces a “ Rebellion » after the publication of the official results on Sunday afternoon. The opponent, who came third in the presidential election, charges the president of the Céni Denis Kadima: “ Mr. Kadima and the Céni have just crossed the Rubicon. Shame on them. Everyone knows that Mr. Tshisekedi Tshilongo cannot under any circumstances win an election organized regularly in the DRC. This is why I completely reject the sham election and the far-fetched results of the Ceni. The crisis of legitimacy is becoming more entrenched in our country. »
Martin Fayulu reiterates his call to reorganize the ballot: “ Do not accept this new coup d’état, we must resist as required by article 64 of the Constitution. We need new elections. Credible, transparent, peaceful and impartial elections. »
Read alsoElections in the DRC: the episcopal conference is concerned about irregularities in a report
“ I have the feeling of duty accomplished », says Denis Mukwege
Nobel Peace Prize winner and candidate Denis Mukwege says he is not surprised by the provisional results proclaimed Sunday by the Ceni, according to our correspondent in Bukavu, William Basimike. Doctor Mukwege recalls that before announcing his candidacy, he had advocated a democratic revolution to avoid what he considers to be planned fraud.
“ I did my part. It is up to the people to take responsibility, denounce and resist “, he said. Denis Mukwege claims to have suffered insults, lies and slander, but in no case does he regret having applied for office. “ I have the feeling of satisfaction and of duty accomplished », assured the doctor. Candidate number 15 regrets that the Congolese people are, according to him, unknowingly moving towards a 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 directions. However, he reminds us that a people who allow themselves to be corrupted, who do not denounce injustices and who applaud their executioners without resisting their tyrannies are complicit in their slavery and should assume the consequences.
“ Things are moving » for women, according to candidate Marie-Josée Ifoku
There was only one woman candidate in the Congolese presidential election. Marie-Josée Ifoku, former governor of Tshuapa province, came in 8th position with less than 1% of the vote. Despite this low score, she believes that her candidacy, her second after a first participation in the 2018 presidential election, is part of a more profound change within Congolese political life.
“ Overall, across the world, it is still difficult for women to access very high political responsibilities. However, we must recognize that progress is being made. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, we have had two women presidents of the National Assembly, which is not a few. So clearly, the train is moving. And our presidential candidacy is part of this march. Let us demystify this masculine image of power. The population soon after got used to having a woman candidate in the presidential elections. And I think next time it will go better. Things are moving. »
Reaction of Marie-Josée Ifoku, the only woman presidential candidate
Messages of congratulations to Félix Tshisekedi from certain candidates
Several hours before the figures were made official, Jean-Claude Baende had already congratulated Tshisekedi, asking him to “ lead differently in the commitment to a truly democratic Congo “.
Adolphe Muzito also congratulated Tshisekedi, recognizing in passing a large difference in votes between the elected official and his challengers. He hopes that he will work very quickly to respond to the country’s priorities “.
Reaction from Adolphe Muzito after the announcement of the results
Read alsoPresidential election in the DRC: victory of Félix Tshisekedi with 73.34% of the votes (provisional results)