Fraud accusations follow Congo poll surprise
SUPPORTERS OF the surprise Democratic Republic of Congo presidential winner have celebrated in the capital as the rival opposition candidate denounced the result as fraudulent.
“Today I am happy,” Felix Tshisekedi told supporters. “Happy for the people of Congo. Everyone is celebrating that there is peace. No one could imagine the scenario where an opposition candidate could be victorious.”
But the defeated Martin Fayulu alleged the results had been rigged, saying outgoing President Joseph Kabila made a backroom deal with Mr Tshisekedi.
Mr Kabila appears to have negotiated with Mr Tshisekedi to prevent anti-corruption crusader Mr Fayulu from winning, diplomats and observers said.
DR Congo’s Catholic church said the official election results did not tally with the outcome that its 40,000 observers compiled in recording results posted at all polling stations.
Its secretary general, Donatien Nshole, refused to say who won the election according to its findings but diplomats briefed on the results said they indicated Mr Fayulu won easily.
Mr Nshole urged all Congolese to remain peaceful and said those who challenge the official results should do so within the legal framework. Now Congo and the world face the uncomfortable choice of accepting what could be the country’s first peaceful, democratic transfer of power or raising a protest that could lead to more violence. Mr Tshisekedi received 38 per cent of the vote according to the electoral commission’s results, which said Mr Fayulu received 34 per cent.