Congo: Second round of elections July 30; unrest possible /update 1

Event

The first round of elections in Republic of the Congo passed peacefully on Monday, July 10, with the exception of Kelle (Cuvette-Ouest) and Kingoue (Bouenza). Preliminary results show the ruling Congolese Labor Party (PCT) won 70 percent of the vote. The second round is to be held nationwide on Sunday, July 30. Demonstrations and unrest are possible in the days leading up to the second round vote as some opposition figures question the results.

On July 10, US diplomatic authorities in the country issued a security message warning its citizens residing in or traveling to Congo to exercise caution while in country during the election season as demonstrations intended to be peaceful can deteriorate and turn violent with little notice. Enhanced security is to be anticipated nationwide to secure polling places and ensure order.

Context

This election cycle is characterized by a tense political climate, largely linked to the democratic controversy following the reelection of long-time President Denis Sassou Nguesso in March 2016 as well as accusations of crackdowns on dissent and allegations of human rights violations in the country. Meanwhile, a humanitarian crisis is ongoing in the Pool department amid armed conflict between Congolese forces and the militia group Ninjas Nsiloulou, which erupted shortly after Nguesso's reelection. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) also recently denounced repression taking place in the region of the capital Brazzaville.

The 2012 legislative elections were boycotted by the opposition, who maintained that the vote was neither democratic nor transparent. This election cycle, the opposition's participation could be more significant, as the new constitution, adopted in 2015, provides for a still undefined opposition status that could devote a share of public funding to parties in parliament.

Advice

Those present in Congo are advised to keep abreast of the situation, avoid all demonstrations and politically sensitive discussions, and follow the instructions of local authorities as well as those of their home governments.