DRC: Vote counting begins as opposition declares ruling party win would be ‘provocation’

Vote counting for the long delayed elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo 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.

“I cannot see how Mr Shadary [the ruling party’s candidate] can win. I doubt anyone will have the courage to proclaim Shadary as the winner. It will be a provocation,” Martin Fayulu, leader of the opposition Lamuka coalition, told Al Jazeera on Monday.

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Tension is also said to be on the high as the electoral commission has delayed voting until March 2019 in three cities over Ebola outbreak and ethnic violence.

Reports say as millions went to the polls to elect a new president, an armed militia overrun several polling stations in eastern DRC.

A local government official told Al Jazeera that Maimai fighters attacked voting stations in six townships in Lubero town in North Kivu province forcing voters to cast their ballot for a candidate of their choice.

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