Congo: archbishop says election was unfair
December 12, 2011
Official election results in the Democratic Republic of Congo “comply with neither truth nor justice,” said Cardinal Laurent Monsengwo of Kinshasa.
Incumbent President Joseph Kabila proclaimed victory on the basis of results that gave him 49% of the popular vote. His leading challenger Etienne Tshisekedi, who won only 32% according to the official tally, claimed that he had actually outpolled Kabila. International observers said that the balloting had been marred by such widespread abuses that the real results were unclear.
Cardinal Monsengwo said that Tshisekedi and other unsuccessful candidates should preserve the rule of law by taking their complaints to the nation’s supreme court. The frustrated challenger has already rejected that option.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!