Félix Tshisekedi Re-elected as DRC President: Ramaphosa Extends Congratulation
President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa has extended warm congratulations to Félix Tshisekedi for securing a second term as the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Tshisekedi’s victory was declared on December 31, 2023, by the Independent Electoral Commission (CENI).
General elections were held synchronously across the DRC on December 20, 2023, with millions participating to elect national, provincial, and local representatives. President Ramaphosa commended the citizens of the DRC for their commendable discipline, unity, and maturity displayed during the elections.
Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi. REUTERS/ Hereward Holland
In his address, President Ramaphosa saluted the DRC electorate for “taking a firm step towards strengthening democracy,” emphasizing their aspiration for a future marked by peace, security, and prosperity. He also urged for calm in the case of any disputed results, encouraging disputants to follow the constitutional legal avenues provided.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Constitutional Court is slated to affirm the preliminary results on January 10. Tshisekedi, aged 60, initially ascended to power in January 2019 following a controversial election that numerous observers opined he had not won.
Martin Fayulu, who staunchly asserts that his victory in the 2018 election was manipulated, lost this year’s election, securing merely five percent of the vote. The score of other candidates, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege, famed for his work with female victims of wartime sexual violence, secured approximately one percent of the vote.
Several opposition candidates have expressed their disagreement with the election results, citing them as a “sham” and demanding a re-run. Despite the reservations, the authorities have emphasised that any electoral disputes should be duly presented to the Constitutional Court. Opposition leaders, however, express their lack of confidence in the court and CENI, alleging their subservience to the government.
Approximately 44 million of the DRC’s 100 million inhabitants were registered for the December 20 vote, which was initially set to be a single-day event but was extended due to procedural issues, particularly in remote areas.
Recognizing the potential for post-election discord, about 15 embassies have urged restraint in the resource-rich nation. Authorities highlight the measures taken to prevent civil unrest, especially focusing on the southeastern mining areas, known strongholds of opposition.
The results of this election are expected to usher in another term of leadership under Felíx Tshisekedi amid concerns and reservations from opposition parties.
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