The Democratic Republic of Congo’s opposition has condemned President Felix Tshisekedi’s “attempt” to postpone the 20 December general elections due to ongoing insecurity in the east.
“The situation in the east of the country should not constitute an excuse for the president to postpone the elections,” Cherubin Okende, the spokesperson for opposition politician Moise Katumbi is quoted by the French broadcaster RFI as saying
“Four years later, the regime is still unable to restore peace in this part of the country,” he added.
According to article 70 of the constitution, the president is chosen for a five-year term, according to opposition leader Martin Fayulu. “Come 23 January 2024, Tshisekedi must vacate his post,” he said.
The two opposition politicians were responding to Mr Tshisekedi’s comments to French President Emmanuel Macron that the conflict in the east could cause the elections to be postponed. However, critics think that the ruling coalition may use different challenges to justify postponing the elections.