President Felix Shisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Lefty Shivambu/Gallo image
- The United States, Britain and Belgium said they were ready to strengthen ties with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and congratulated the president on his re-election.
- felix Tshisekedi’s inauguration ceremony is scheduled for January 20th.
- His vote tally was somewhat mixed, and Western countries called for more transparency in the election.
The United States, Britain and former colonial power Belgium congratulated President Felix Tsikekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on securing a second term and called on the country to work to improve election transparency.
In August last year, the US began construction of a new embassy in Kinshasa worth R3.2 billion.
The United States says the embassy is a symbol of the two countries’ shared commitment to promoting democratic values, sustainable economic growth, and global cooperation.
With the election concluded, U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement that “the United States is expanding its partnership with the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and working with Congolese people across the country to advance our common interests.” I’m looking forward to it.”
The United States added: “The critical task of building national unity requires leadership, accountability, and inclusion at all levels.”
Read | DRC invalidates voting results of three ministers over suspicions of fraud
British Secretary of State Benyon also issued a statement congratulating Tshisekedi and praising voters’ determination to participate in elections and exercise their democratic rights.
He noted that the elections were relatively peaceful compared to past years.
“We also welcome that the voting was largely peaceful and that the election was held as scheduled,” he said.
The Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that “during these elections, the people once again demonstrated their democratic drive, despite difficulties, including in particular numerous logistical and operational problems and reported irregularities.” .
election dispute
Opposition leader Theodore Ngoyi, who received less than 1% of the vote, has filed a court application challenging the results of the December 20 election.
However, the country’s Constitutional Court on Tuesday upheld Tshisekedi’s victory, declaring him the winner of the election with 73.47% of the vote.
His inauguration ceremony is set for January 20th.
With a legacy of challenges that can be traced back to conflict and corruption, it was never going to be a smooth election in a country with poor infrastructure and 43 million registered voters.
Many election observers noted that in some parts of the country, ballots did not arrive at polling stations on time, and in some cases elections were postponed to the next day.
The United States called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to work toward greater accountability and transparency in the future.
Mr. Miller said:
Unfortunately, as noted by domestic and international observers, insecurity, logistical challenges, and unpreparedness led to significant delays and barriers to voting on election day.
“For many, incidents of fraud and corruption have raised questions about the integrity of the results. We urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) to ensure greater transparency regarding the tabulation of the remaining results. We encourage
“The United States also urges Congolese authorities to launch a comprehensive review of the electoral process, investigate and hold accountable those who sought to undermine the will of the people, and consult with stakeholders to plan future We urge you to act on our recommendations to improve elections,” Miller said.
CENI canceled 82 election results across the country citing electoral fraud. Belgium called on the DRC to continue to hold accountable those found to have participated in electoral fraud.
Belgium said it “encourages the independent National Electoral Commission to continue its investigation and take action.”
News24 Africa Desk is supported by the Hans Seidel Foundation. Articles produced through Africa Desk, and the opinions and statements contained herein, do not reflect the opinions and statements of the Hans His Seidel Foundation.