DRC: Senate and gubernatorial elections March 15, 26

Event

The senate elections are expected to take place on Friday, March 15, while gubernatorial elections will take place on Tuesday, March 26. Localized disruptions and a heightened security presence are expected throughout the country and around polling stations on both dates. Political tensions remain relatively high across DRC, notably in areas where the Lamuka opposition party has a strong electoral base ; electoral-related violence cannot be ruled out.

On a related note, the general and provincial elections which were delayed in the regions of Beni, Butembo, and Yumbi, are expected to take place on March 31.

Context

DRC held long-awaited general elections on December 30, 2018, to choose a successor to President Joseph Kabila, who was ineligible to run for another term. There were numerous allegations of electoral fraud and voter intimidation and several people were killed in election-related violence. Felix Tshisekedi was declared winner of the presidential elections with 38.57 percent of the vote, followed by runner-up Martin Fayulu from the Lamuka opposition party with 34.83 percent. Fayulu has since then denounced the results, claiming he initially won the presidential elections.

Elections in Beni, Butembo, and Yumbi had to be postponed due to security and health concerns (resurgence of Ebola).

Advice

Individuals in the DRC are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all public demonstrations due to the risk of violence and arrest, refrain from discussing political topics in public, and adhere to all instructions issued by their home government and local authorities.