Amidst ongoing armed conflict and concerns of violence in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), candidates vying for the December 20 presidential election are drawing crowds in a lively campaign atmosphere, despite the region’s history of unrest and conflict.
Despite decades of violence in places like Bunia, Bukavu, Butembo, Beni, Oicha, and Goma, candidates have been hosting vibrant rallies in city centers, attracting enthusiastic crowds as they navigate through airport arrivals, seeking support in the run-up to the election.
The upcoming election will witness some 44 million registered voters out of a population of approximately 100 million choosing their president, along with national and provincial deputies and municipal councilors.
Among the contenders, Moïse Katumbi, a wealthy businessman and one of 23 candidates in the race, is at the forefront. His recent visit to Goma, North Kivu’s capital, a region often marred by violence and humanitarian crises, has drawn attention to the public’s desire for restored security, as voiced by residents like Zephanie Mayolo, a motorcycle-taxi driver.
Security concerns have become a pivotal point in this election, noted Valery Madianga from the Centre for Research in Public Finance and Local Development (CREFDL). However, the lack of clearly defined governance programs has hindered substantive debates on this crucial issue, Madianga observed.
Katumbi, a former governor and influential figure, has been critical of the incumbent president, Félix Tshisekedi, particularly regarding security matters amidst the resurgence of the M23 rebellion, backed by the Rwandan army, which has caused unrest in the North Kivu region.
Meanwhile, Tshisekedi, seeking re-election, has appealed to voters in Bunia, highlighting his accomplishments and urging support for his second term to continue ongoing projects.
Another notable candidate, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege, renowned for his efforts in aiding victims of sexual violence, has embarked on a campaign promising to combat corruption and strive for peace and an end to famine in various parts of the country.
The political environment is marked by tension, as evidenced by recent clashes resulting in a fatality in Kindu, where a member of Katumbi’s party was killed amid clashes with supporters of Tshisekedi’s party.
The electoral landscape also includes Martin Fayulu, an unsuccessful candidate in the 2018 election, who continues to challenge the results. Fayulu, during his campaign in Beni, advocated for voting to oppose Tshisekedi’s leadership, accusing him of aiding aggressors and calling for measures to establish regional authority.
Despite the vibrant campaigns, there’s been criticism that the candidates have not distinctly addressed ending violence or laid out comprehensive social projects. Oswald Rubasha, an electoral expert, lamented the absence of concrete commitments from candidates toward resolving the prevailing violence, emphasizing that social initiatives have not received adequate attention in the campaign dis犀利士 course.