By Ebi Kesiena
The Constitutional Court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has commenced the hearing of a petition filed by one of the former presidential candidates, contesting the results of the previous year’s presidential election.
During the opening of the hearing, Theodore Ngoy urged the court to nullify the election results, alleging “flagrant violations of the electoral law.”
The petitioner pointed to the unstable socio-political situation in the country, irregular voter registration processes, and a seven-day extension of the voting period in certain areas as reasons for requesting the annulment of the election results.
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Ngoy requested the court to mandate the formation of new independent members of the national electoral body to conduct fresh elections.
The court is set to consider arguments from the public attorney before announcing its decision, expected before January 12.
Recall that President Felix Tshisekedi was declared the winner of the presidential election held on December 20, securing 73.34% of the vote after competing against approximately 20 candidates.
Despite claims of election fraud emerging from the opposition shortly after the announcement of partial results from the presidential, legislative, provincial, and local elections, key opposition figures such as businessman Moise Katumbi, Nobel laureate Denis Mukwege, and Martin Fayulu opted not to appeal to the Constitutional Court, which they perceive as pro-government.
The final validation of the presidential poll results awaits the ratification by the Constitutional Court.
