DRC: Political gatherings, unrest possible nationwide through mid-January following preliminary election results /update 3

Political gatherings and episodes of unrest remain possible nationwide through mid-January after the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) declared Incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi the winner of the presidential election with 73 percent of the votes. The presidential results are preliminary and should be confirmed on Jan. 12. The general election held on Dec. 20 allowed voters to elect the country's president, national, provincial, and other local representatives in a single round. Other results have been delayed and should be announced in the next several days.

Political tensions remain elevated after the election process witnessed widespread logistical issues, faulty equipment, and conspiratorial allegations, with numerous polling stations that either could not open or had faced delayed opening or vandalism, among the issues. Consequently, officials announced the extension of voting into Dec. 21 for voting centers that could not accommodate the general public in the voting process the previous day. The main opposition candidates have rejected the results; however, it remains to be seen if candidates will officially challenge the results. According to the CENI, candidates had two days to contest the results from the date of release of the provisional results on Dec. 31.

Increased security will likely persist in the coming days, notably in main urban centers, such as Goma, Kinshasa, and Lubumbashi, and along key thoroughfares and near government buildings. Localized transport and business disruptions are possible. Significant incidents of violence, clashes with security forces, opposing rival activists, and other forms of politically-related violence may occur. Officials may impose enhanced restrictive measures, such as temporary curfews, exit/entry restrictions, and internet/phone service shutdowns to prevent violence or in the event of significant unrest.