The electoral commission of the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported on Monday that it has registered almost 43.9 million voters for the general elections scheduled for December, up from 40.4 million in the previous election. Some members of the opposition have accused the commission of irregularities.
In the DRC, political unrest is on the rise in advance of the elections on December 20, in which President Felix Tshisekedi is anticipated to run for re-election.
Over the weekend, security officers used tear gas to disperse anti-government demonstrations as protesters echoed opposition candidates’ complaints about delays and suspected irregularities in the run-up to the election.
In the over 95 million-person nation, protesters were also enraged by growing living expenses and the escalating violence in the east, where armed militia groups battle over mineral resources and territory.
Voter registration has been impossible in a number of places due to insecurity. According to CENI, enrollment strategies are being looked into.
The enrollment statistic has drawn skepticism from opposition leaders, who point out that the commission hired its own auditors to examine the data over a five-day period.
Due to the five-day turnaround time, the International Organization of La Francophonie, which audited the last registration procedure in 2018, declined to work with the CENI this year.
The audit, according to a CENI official who wished to remain unnamed, was precise and thorough.