Democracy put to the test in DR Congo

Special Report

Last modification: 14/12/11

On November 28, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) held presidential and parliamentary elections for the second time in the country's history. The incumbent, Joseph Kabila, who has been in power since 2001 and won the previous election in 2006, is seeking re-election. The lead-up to the second round of the 2006 vote saw rivalling camps face off in deadly gun battles. The presidential poll will take place in a single round this time and tensions are running high. The United Nations has denounced pre-election violence that has been targeting mainly opposition supporters, and observers continue to express concern over an increasingly volatile situation.

DR CONGO

Election results 'lack credibility' say observers

Four people were killed in post-election violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday and Saturday as observers from the Carter Center, founded by former US president Jimmy Carter (pictured), said the vote results "lack credibility".

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DR CONGO

West urges calm, post-poll violence turns deadly

Clashes in the DR Congo between security forces and opposition protesters killed at least one person Saturday, a day after incumbent president Joesph Kabila won a disputed poll. The UN joined international appeals for peace in the region.

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DR CONGO

Kabila wins vote, opponent declares himself president

The DR Congo's independent electoral commission declared incumbent Joseph Kabila (pictured) the winner of the November 28th presidential election Friday. But in an interview with France 24, rival Etienne Tshisekedi rejected the results.

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DR CONGO

Election commission declares Kabila winner

The Democratic Republic of Congo's independent electoral commission has declared incumbent Joseph Kabila (pictured) the winner of the November 28th presidential election, with 48% of the vote. Opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi got 32% of the vote.

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DR CONGO

Presidential election results postponed until Friday

Democratic Republic of Congo's election commission has said it will not announce the winner of the country's November 28 presidential election until Friday. The commission stated it needed to cross-check results received from across the nation.

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DR CONGO

Congo postpones election results by two days

Congo was in limbo Wednesday after the government reported a 48-hour delay in announcing election results from last week's disputed presidential ballot. The government stated that returns had not been received from all polling stations.

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DR CONGO

Congo officials race to count votes by deadline

Congo officials struggled on Tuesday to finish counting votes from last week's election before the designated midnight deadline. Security was amped up overnight in Kinshasa and some residents fled to across the border fearing violence.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Thousands flee Kinshasa fearing post-election violence

Some 3,000 people have fled across the border from Kinshasa fearing post-election violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, immigration officials in Brazzaville said on Sunday. Results from last week's vote are expected Tuesday.

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DR Congo

Observers cite 'irregularities' at DRC polls

Observers from the European Union monitoring elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo reported Thursday they had witnessed "serious irregularities" at polling stations there. The run-up to the ballot also saw violence between rival parties.

DR CONGO

Observers urge calm during DRC vote count

Election observers asked for calm in DR Congo as ballots were counted Wednesday amid calls from opposition candidates to cancel the vote over violence and allegations of widespread irregularities and fraud.

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DR CONGO

Counting begins in DR Congo after chaotic election

Officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo have begun counting votes in the country's presidential and parliamentary elections after a day of chaotic and often violent polling raised fears of a protracted dispute over the outcome.

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DR Congo

Kinshasa police ban rallies ahead of contentious elections

Police banned all political rallies in Kinshasa on Saturday as the Democratic Republic of Congo prepared for the second democratic election in its history on Monday amid concern over irregularities and inadequate preparation.

DR CONGO Q&A

'The challenges are huge in this vast country'

DR CONGO

Jailed opposition leader Bemba could tip DRC vote

Facing charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court, former militia leader Jean-Pierre Bemba is not running in the DR Congo’s November 28 poll. He may nonetheless hold the key to victory.

DR CONGO

Opposition lawmaker shot dead in Kinshasa

Marius Gangale of the opposition Movement for the Liberation of Congo was shot and killed while in a car with his wife late on Tuesday. Police have opened a probe into whether the incident was politically motivated or an act of crime.

DR CONGO

Opposition leader’s presidential bid sparks violence

A Congolese opposition supporter was shot dead and two others injured Tuesday in scuffles with police. Opposition party leader Etienne Tshisekedi had earlier announced his candidature against President Joseph Kabila in November's poll.

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DR CONGO

Disputed voting reforms expected to favour DR Congo incumbent president

Democratic Republic of Congo's parliament approved several controversial voting reforms Saturday, which are expected to boost President Joseph Kabila's chances of re-election in the fall, after opposition lawmakers boycotted the vote in protest.

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