TheCable

Felix Tshisekedi, incumbent president of Congo, has secured a second five-term, defeating his opponent with a wide margin.

Announcing Tshisekedi’s victory on Sunday in Kinshasa, Congo’s capital city, Denis Kadima, head of the national election commission, said the president was elected with 73.34 percent of the vote.

According to Kadima, Tshisekedi obtained over 13 million votes out of over 18 million valid votes.

The much disputed December 20 election was marred by widespread logistical problems leading to an extension to a second day in some parts of the country.

The opposition said the problems were staged to allow the results to be rigged in favour of Tshisekedi.
Earlier, an opposition group took to the streets to protest after the results were released.

“We categorically reject the sham elections… and its results,” the main opposition candidates said in a joint statement.

They also demanded fresh elections be held with a new electoral body on a date to be agreed by all.

However, Kadima said the results of the elections reflected the will of the people.

Tshisekedi is due to be sworn in for a second term on January 20.