War-torn Congo gears up for fourth presidential election in 30 years

…spotlight on top five contenders

In the lead-up to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) fourth consecutive presidential election on December 20, 2023, the nation stands at a critical juncture. With a history marred by decades of conflict, the world is watching closely as over 20 candidates vie for the highest office in the mineral-rich nation, presenting voters with a crucial decision amidst ongoing challenges.

Here are the top five contenders for the election:

Felix Tshisekedi

60-years-old Felix Tshisekedi, the incumbent President, has spent the initial part of his presidency navigating challenges, including opposition from supporters of his predecessor, Joseph Kabila, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he has overseen significant economic growth in the country, primarily driven by the burgeoning copper and cobalt industry. Tshisekedi’s presidency has also seen an improvement in relations with international organizations and global powers, including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

Moise Katumbi

Katumbi, a 58-year-old wealthy businessman and former governor of Katanga province, has emerged as one of the most potent rivals to Tshisekedi. Despite facing challenges, including allegations of collaboration with Rwanda and violence at his campaign rallies, Katumbi brings significant financial resources to the race. His background in mining services and ownership of the successful TP Mazembe football team bolster his populist appeal.

Martin Fayulu

A former Exxon-Mobil executive, Fayulu, aged 66, officially finished second to Tshisekedi in the 2018 election, despite widespread belief that he was the rightful winner. Fayulu positions himself as an incorruptible candidate, relying on small donations for his campaign. His unwavering stance against previous governments’ corruption and his refusal to join the government after the last election make him a compelling contender.

Denis Mukwege

Mukwege, a 68-year-old renowned gynecologist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, is celebrated for his work with victims of sexual violence in the DRC’s conflict-ridden eastern region. His dedication to addressing the plight of survivors has earned him international recognition. Mukwege’s candidacy emphasizes his commitment to saving and developing the country, while he remains a vocal critic of violence in the east.

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Marie José Ifoku

One of the three female candidates cleared to run in the presidential race, Marie José Ifoku makes her second attempt in the election. In the 2018 race, she was the sole female candidate and secured 0.15% of the vote; her candidacy represents a continued push for gender diversity in Congolese politics.

The DRC’s presidential election carries immense significance, with the country being Africa’s second-largest and rich in natural resources, including coltan, diamonds, cobalt, copper, and bauxite. The outcome of this election will shape the nation’s future, addressing issues such as conflict, corruption, and governance challenges that have persisted for decades.

Why this election matters:

This election is crucial for the DRC’s stability and development. It takes place amid ongoing conflict, economic and social crises, and tensions between the government and opposition. There are concerns of electoral fraud, restrictions on freedoms, and a cost-of-living crisis.

Incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi is seeking a second term, facing competition from a formidable lineup of contenders, including old foes and renowned figures. Among his rivals are Martin Fayulu, who many believe was the rightful winner of the 2018 presidential election, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege. The race has also seen unexpected alliances forming within the opposition, adding an element of unpredictability to the outcome.

Also, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) has faced criticism, with concerns about its neutrality. International observers have withdrawn from the election process, raising questions about transparency.

Dany Ayida, a senior resident director for the National Democratic Institute in the DRC, highlighted the evolving political landscape. “The candidates were 26 at the beginning of the campaign… We know 3 or 4 candidates decided to join Moise Katumbi. We know discussions are going on between Mukwege and Fayulu. We don’t know if they’ll keep their candidacies or join efforts to have a common candidate,” he said in an interview with VOA.

Despite challenges related to disseminating voting materials and security concerns in certain regions, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) is working diligently to ensure the election proceeds as planned on Wednesday, December 20.

Provisional election results are expected on December 31, with the inauguration of the next president slated for January 20, 2024.