01 Apr 2019 | 06:56 AM UTC
DRC: Gubernatorial elections planned April 10 /update 3
Elections for provincial governors and vice governors scheduled for April 10; election campaign allowed on April 6-8
Event
The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) set the date for upcoming gubernatorial elections in 24 of the country's 26 provinces for Wednesday, April 10. Rallies and political demonstrations are possible throughout the country in the days before the election, with an official campaign period from Saturday, April 6, to Monday, April 8. A heightened security presence and localized disruptions are likely at any political events; clashes with security forces cannot be ruled out. Elections will be postponed in North Kivu and Mai-Ndombe provinces due to health and security concerns.
Context
The gubernatorial elections were initially scheduled for March 26 but were postponed in early March, leading to criticism.
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.
