The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has assured voters of total security during today’s presidential election.
The Congolese people today go to the polls to elect new leaders across various levels of governance, including the presidential, parliamentary, provincial, and municipal levels.
A staggering 44 million people have registered to cast their votes in this electoral process in the vast and economically challenged central African nation, which boasts a population of approximately 100 million.
This is amid growing concerns about the capacity of the Congolese electoral commission to conduct the election in a peaceful environment given its current logistical and security challenges
However, the DRC government spokesman Patrick Muyaya has reassured voters that they will be able to “elect their new leaders in a peaceful and secure environment.
The presidential race has attracted 18 contenders including 60-year-old incumbent Felix Tshisekedi, who is seeking a second five-year term.
The others are 58-year-old Moise Katumbi, a business tycoon and former provincial governor, 67-year-old Martin Fayulu, and 68-year-old Denis Mukwege.