Étienne Tshisekedi

Association for Free Research and International Cooperation (AFRIC): Court Upholds Election Win of Tshisekedi in the DRC

Retrieved on: 
Monday, January 21, 2019
Geography of Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republics, Africa, Language geography, Étienne Tshisekedi

The Constitutional court in DRC has confirmed the presidential election victory of Felix Tshisekedi.

Key Points: 
  • The Constitutional court in DRC has confirmed the presidential election victory of Felix Tshisekedi.
  • Tshisekedi stated that the court's decision to reject claims of electoral fraud and declare him president was a victory for the entire country ( https://observer.ug/news/headlines/59693-congo-court-upholds-election-wi... ).
  • Association for Free Research and International Cooperation (AFRIC) is a community of independent researchers, experts and activists.
  • The main goals are creating a platform for elaboration and dissemination of objective analytical information, first-hand opinions; establishing direct communication and cooperation.

Democratic Republic of Congo: December 2018 update

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Geography of Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republics, Africa, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, Bantu, Democratic Republic of the Congo general election, Étienne Tshisekedi

Thursday, December 6, 2018Two years later than scheduled, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set finally to hold national elections on 23 December. Joseph Kabila, who many feared would never relinquish power, is now poised to stand down as president. So, will this be a turning-point for a country that has experienced violence and instability for decades? The omens do not look good – there is a real risk that the elections could destabilise the country further.

Key Points: 


House of Commons Library

Democratic Republic of Congo: December 2018 update

    Kabila’s strategems

    • With key opposition forces mistrustful and divided over whether to participate, the new transitional government ultimately remained dominated by Kabila loyalists.
    • Last but not least, he has hand-picked the PPRD's presidential candidate, former interior minister and long-standing ally of Kabila, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary.

    The elections are unlikely to be free or fair

    • Critics and opponents are particularly suspicious about the 100,000 electronic voting machines which are to be used in the elections.
    • The chances of free and fair elections are nil.

    The main presidential contenders

    • The polls suggest that Tshisekedi is by some distance the most popular presidential candidate standing on 23 December.
    • Kabilas adversaries will be hoping that some of the fault-lines within the regime might widen if Shadary performs very poorly.

    Elections could lead to increased violence across the country

    • Should the outcome of the elections become a matter of intense dispute, this could lead to further upsurges in violence across the country, some parts of of which (most notably, the east, where there has also been a major Ebola outbreak, and Kasai) are seriously affected by intractable conflicts.
    • Africa Confidential reports that some national army officers are eventalking in terms of a third Congolese war, with troops from neighbouring countries potentially becoming drawn into the DRC once again.

    Role of the international community

    • There is a lot at stake for the international community, which has poured much money and effort into the DRC over the last twenty years.
    • But there are fears that, in the end, a Shadary victory will be met with international acquiescence.