US calls for DR Congo election disputes to be resolved 'peacefully'

Following President Felix Tshisekedi’s announcement as the victor of a second term in the unstable Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United States issued a request on Sunday for the peaceful and transparent settlement of any election-related problems in that country.

Opposition leaders have already called the preliminary findings of Tshisekedi’s 73 percent victory in the ballot a “sham.”

The State Department official said that while the agency is monitoring the process “closely,” it hasn’t congratulated Tshisekedi yet.

“Any election disputes should be resolved peacefully and in accordance with Congolese electoral law,” the spokesperson continued. “We call on the relevant authorities to ensure any complaints are handled in a fair and transparent manner.”

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Constitutional Court is expected to confirm the provisional results on January 10.

Moise Katumbi — a wealthy businessman, football club owner and former provincial governor — was the election runner-up with about 18 percent.

He and eight other opposition candidates on Sunday signed a declaration rejecting the results and calling for a re-run.

Post-election tensions have been common in the poor but mineral-rich country.

Analysts said Tshisekedi’s vote tally was well beyond expectations.

Over 40 million people out of the 100 million inhabitants of the huge country were registered to vote on December 20 for president, as well as for national and regional lawmakers and municipal councillors.

Voting was officially extended by a day to account for problems, and continued for days afterwards in remote areas, according to observers.