KINSHASA, CONGO (August 21, 2006) – A run-off election between incumbent President Joseph Kabila and Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba will be conducted October 29 after neither of the candidates received a majority of votes cast for the office of president during the July 30 election.
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\nKabila received 45 percent of the votes cast with Bemba receiving 20 percent, according to the official announcement of election results. The results immediately drew protests from some Congolese, many of them supporters of Bemba, who believe the vote outcome was unduly influenced by western nations that favor Kabila.<\/p>\n
A number of workers and students are reportedly staying home from work and school in the capital city of Kinshasa to protest the election results, which they believe reflect voter fraud. The United Nations, however, has characterized the election as fair.<\/p>\n
Kabila is especially popular in eastern sections of the country, while Bemba enjoys support in western regions, including Kinshasa, observers say. Elections results were delayed because of a skirmish between bodyguards loyal to Bemba and Kabila, according to news reports.<\/p>\n
There was concern that fighting might erupt following the election, but there have been no reports of widespread violence. Dr. Mossai Sanguma, president of the Covenant Church of Congo (CEUM), believes the lack of violence may reflect the desire of Congolese people to achieve unity and not return to the violence that destroyed the country and its infrastructure during six years of civil war. Shortly after balloting was completed, Sanguma reported that the process went smoothly and that residents were excited to be part of the voting process.<\/p>\n
The election marks the first multi-party election in Congo since the country gained its independence in 1960, notes Evangelical Covenant Church missionary Bob Thornbloom.<\/p>\n
Copyright \u00a9 2011 The Evangelical Covenant Church.<\/p>\n