Félix Tshisekedi has been re-elected for a second term, according to official figures released by the Electoral Commission (CENI) yesterday. The outcome was not surprising, as trends had been publicized for over a week. However, the official results are contested by the opposition, citing irregularities and alleged cases of fraud, though they are hesitant to pursue legal action to challenge the outcome.
Key figures in the opposition have refused to acknowledge their defeat. In a joint statement, Moïse Katumbi, Martin Fayulu, Denis Mukwege, and six other candidates described the results as a “masquerade, a farce,” as reported by our correspondent in Kinshasa, Pascal Mulegwa. They highlighted irregularities and called for the reorganization of the elections, ruling out any potential appeal to the constitutional court, which they perceived as aligned with the ruling power.
Disappointment among Moïse Katumbi’s Supporters
After the provisional results of the presidential election, declaring Félix Tshisekedi’s victory, supporters in the camp of his main rival, Moïse Katumbi, are torn between revolt and anger, notes our correspondent in Lubumbashi, Denise Maheho.
At the headquarters of Katumbi’s political party in Lubumbashi, Maitre Ali Sudi, a member of the party, and about a hundred others followed the announcement of the results. He is in shock, stating, “It’s a fight we’ve been leading for five years. President Moïse Katumbi has a vision for this country. Given the results, we are truly disappointed.” Jacques, a bar manager who met at his workplace, also expressed disappointment, saying, “We wanted him to be elected president to transform the country. It’s a letdown for us.”
The youth of Moïse Katumbi’s party also reject these results, considering them far from reflecting reality. Abel Amundala, group leader, explains, “On the evening of the presidential election, Moïse Katumbi emerged victorious. It was the vote organized beyond the legal date that constituted fraud in favor of candidate Félix Tshisekedi.”