Democratic Republic of Congo: Felix Tshisekedi leads in Preliminary election results

Approximately 44 million voters went to the polls on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. Over the course of a 30-day campaign, incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi succeeded in convincing the population with the agenda for his second term, as evidenced by partial results.

After winning the vote in the 5 diaspora countries (France, United States, Canada, Belgium, and South Africa) with scores ranging from 70 to 85%, Felix Tshisekedi is leading in 22 electoral districts nationwide, as reported by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI).

Provisional results compiled on Monday, after three days of publication at the «Bosolo» center of the CENI in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, declared Felix Tshisekedi the winner with 78.80%.

According to partial results, Felix Tshisekedi is ahead in all districts, thanks to his discourse centered on security issues, a major concern for the Congolese people.

The population expected peace, a narrative championed by Tshisekedi.

The publication of partial results, following the compilation of votes, district by district, already reflects the will of the people.

Nevertheless, in the republican dynamic, the only recourse is through the justice system.

In a statement released on Wednesday evening, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo applauded the «smooth conduct» of the elections and commended «the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI)» for adhering to the electoral schedule.

Yann ETERNEL