The Electoral Commission in the DRC has disqualified three ministers and four governors from last month’s election in the Democratic Republic of Congo, because of fraud and violence.
Among those barred are, Antoinette Kipulu Kabenga, minister for vocational training, Didier Mazenga Mukanzu, regional integration minister, Nana Manwanina Kiumba, a minister in the president’s office, Gentiny Ngobila, the governor of Kinshasa province and Three other provincial governors and 10 senators
They are among 82 candidates excluded from the legislative, provincial and local elections by the electoral body.
All votes cast for the 82 candidates have been annulled. The results of the elections they were contesting have not yet been declared – only the result of the presidential race has been announced so far.
However the announcement did not address the presidential election that saw
President Félix Tshisekedi re-elected by a landslide.
The opposition has called the entire election a “sham” and demanded a rerun.
The December 20 election was marred by widespread logistical problems. It had to be extended to an unplanned second day in some parts of the vast country.
About two-thirds of polling stations opened late, while 30% of voting machines did not work on the first day.
Millions of people waited for hours before they were able to vote. Many gave up and went home.
Mr Tshisekedi, 60, was elected for a second term with 73% of the vote, with his nearest challenger, mining magnate and former provincial governor Moise Katumbi, on 18%.
President Tshisekedi will be sworn in for a second term on 20 January
