The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s opposition has condemned President Felix Tshisekedi’s “attempt” to postpone the 20 December general elections due to persistent insecurity in the east.
“The situation in the east of the country should not be used as an excuse for the president to postpone the elections,” Cherubin Okende, the spokesperson for opposition politician Moise Katumbi, is quoted as saying by RFI, the French broadcaster.
Mr. Okende reminded Mr. Tshisekedi of a promise he made early in his presidency to establish army headquarters in the east in order to deal effectively with armed groups.
“Four years later, the regime has yet to restore peace in this part of the country,” he said.
According to article 70 of the constitution, the president is elected for a five-year term, according to opposition leader Martin Fayulu. “Tshisekedi must resign by January 23, 2024,” he said.
The two opposition politicians were responding to Mr. Tshisekedi’s remarks to French President Emmanuel Macron that the conflict in the east could cause the elections to be postponed.
However, critics believe that the ruling coalition may use various challenges to justify postponing the elections.
