10 Jan 2019 | 06:08 AM UTC
DRC: Opposition presidential candidate declared winner Jan. 10 /update 12
Electoral commission declares opposition candidate Felix Tshisekedi winner of presidential election; heightened security presence and public demonstrations possible
Event
The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) released provision general election results in the early hours (local time) of Thursday, January 10, declaring opposition candidate Felix Tshisekedi as the winner of the December 30 presidential election. CENI Commissioner Corneille Nangaa said that Tshisekedi received 7 million votes, or 38.5 percent. Martin Fayulu of the Lamuka opposition coalition reportedly received 6.4 million votes and Emmanuel Shadary, the favored candidate of current President Joseph Kabila, received 4.4 million votes.
Public demonstrations in support and protesting the results are possible in the coming hours and days. A heightened security presence is also likely. Clashes between rival political supporters and with security forces cannot be ruled out. Telecommunication disruptions (e.g. internet and mobile service blackouts) are also possible.
Context
DRC held general elections on December 30 to choose a successor to President Joseph Kabila, who is ineligible to run for another term. There were numerous allegations of electoral fraud and voter intimidation and several people were killed in election-related violence. President Joseph Kabila, whose term ended in 2016 but who has remained in power amid repeated election delays, has endorsed Interior Minister Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary as the candidate of the ruling FCC (Front Commun pour le Congo) coalition. Other main candidates include Felix Tshisekedi of the CACH (Cap pour le Changement) opposition coalition party and Martin Fayulu of the Lamuka opposition coalition. Definite results are due on January 15 with the presidential inauguration scheduled for January 18.
Advice
Individuals in the DRC are advised to monitor the situation, ensure travel documents are valid, avoid all public demonstrations due to the risk of violence and arrest, refrain from discussing political topics in public, adhere to all instructions issued by their home government and local authorities, and anticipate telecommunication disruptions.
