DRC ELECTION: Tension rises as ruling coalition, opposition both claim victory

There is palpable tension in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after the country’s ruling coalition and opposition both claimed victory in the just concluded election marred by chaos.

Reports say the opposition said on Monday it expected one of its candidates to win the presidential election based on early vote tallies, but the ruling coalition said it was confident its candidate had won the chaotic contest.

Social media and mobile internet connections in the capital Kinshasa and other cities were shut down according to reports after unofficial tallies started to circulate on Monday.

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Vote counting has commenced with opposition saying the election was ‘deliberately disorganised’ after chaotic contest.

Opposition leader Martin Fayulu also declared that he will not accept a ruling party victory.

Congo’s electoral commission has also delayed voting until March 2019 in three cities over Ebola outbreak and ethnic violence.

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