Xiluva has made the call for free and fair elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the mineral-rich African country heads to the polls in one of the continent’s most anticipated elections.
The Congolese people on Wednesday went to the polls to elect the president, lawmakers and provincial legislators.
“The DRC’s history of armed conflict, political instability, the displacement of millions of people, alleged electoral misconduct, and the presence of ongoing conflicts will no doubt present significant challenges in ensuring free and fair elections,” Xiluva President Bongani Baloyi said.
“As such, both domestic and international organizations must work together to create inclusive electoral processes that involve all segments of society, including those in conflict-affected areas,” he added.
RELATED STORY: Scores of people displaced by violence in DR Congo.
The government of DRC closed its borders and suspended domestic flights at midnight, Wednesday, as several observation missions are in the country to monitor the voting process, including from Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states.
Baloyi pointed out that the persistent conflict in Eastern DRC, where the majority of the country’s mineral wealth is located, has created immense hardships for the population.
Decades of armed strife has resulted in widespread human rights violations, displacement of communities, and limited access to essential services. Additionally, corruption and poor governance, further exacerbate the challenges faced by the Congolese people and hinder any significant improvement in the quality of their lives, Baloyi observed.
In his view, “resolving these complex issues requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of conflict, promotes good governance, and supports sustainable economic development.”
The presidential election is pitting the incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi against 19 other candidates including Moise Katumbi, 58, his main rival, a wealthy businessman who served as governor of Katanga Province.
Tshisekedi, 60, took office in 2019 and is seeking a second five-year term to lead Africa’s largest country. He campaigned on the promise of more jobs, ending conflict in the eastern region and more infrastructure development once re-elected.
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