DRC Election Sparks Opposition Movement

Written by Jose Miguel Lopez | December 3, 2023

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The upcoming presidential election in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will be a highly contested one as the opposition against incumbent Felix Tshisekedi keeps growing. Felix Tshisekedi was elected in 2018 after a contested election that had accusations of fraud and compromised integrity. The electoral commission has denied these accusations, attempting to reassure voters.

The opposition movement is led by Martin Fayulu who ran last time and according to its supporters was robbed. His supporters already refer to him as ‘elected president’ on social media posts and displays of public support are intensifying. Just this past Thursday a rally was held in Goma where a large number of supporters were observed.

The European Union had previously pledged to provide a long-term security mission aiming to secure the election’s integrity and results. However, the mission was canceled this past Wednesday due to security concerns for staff, per official statements. Congo’s government has said that it welcomes other observation missions for the election.

Fayulu has stated that he will put pressure on government institutions to ensure election integrity. In October, he and five other candidates signed a statement urging the government to apply measures to ensure its integrity. As election day gets closer, security will intensify to avoid the possibility of violence.