DRC: Opposition sets Dec. 27 for first election protest against incoming results

DRC – With the electoral commission announcing initial trends, Felix Tshisekedi’s opponents are reportedly strategising a first protest on December 27, 2023, according to Africa report.

Presidential candidate, Martin Fayulu, decried “electoral chaos” by the DRC electoral body, CENI, ahead Denis Kadima on December 20, 2023 while Rival Denis Mukwege cited “irregularities.”

They and three others jointly called for re-organising the “failed” vote with a revamped CENI.

On Thursday, presidential candidate, Moïse Katumbi and allies issued a statement accusing the government of orchestrating fraud and claiming their counts put Katumbi ahead.

Joseph Kabila’s FCC opposition also urged mobilisation to “end this regime.”

The protest organising around two poles: nullifying the vote or dubiously claiming victory amid criticism.

“Fayulu appeals to election credibility to push dialogue while others use different means to claim victory,” summarised a diplomat.

The opposition camps were strategising Saturday.
Katumbi’s team vaguely backed contesting results through any means, rejecting legal action since the court is biased.

Some saw potential for opposition compromise.
“Tshisekedi now just represents himself, we can find common ground,” said one.

While Fayulu and Katumbi were 2018 election allies, tension emerged during the campaign over an opposition standard-bearer.

Candidates reportedly discussed jointly rejecting results, though talks are delicate.

Meanwhile, Fayulu and others plan a December 27 march against “irregularities.”

With results pending, foreign embassies called for restraint amid worries about protests. Privately, some opponents expressed frustration with “realpolitik.”

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