President Kabila Wins Congolese Presidential Run Off; International Community Calls for Calm
November 16, 2006

Reuters reports that incumbent President Joseph Kabila has secured 58% of the vote to win second round run off election in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  Kabila defeated challenger and former rebel chief Jean-Pierre Bemba, who received 42% of the vote.  The Kabila camp has “appealed for calm in the nation,” following what the United Nations has called the “the most important elections since those that ended apartheid in South Africa.” 

A Washington Times report says that “the elections were seen by international observers as being mostly fair and well run.”  The Washington Post also claims there were minor irregularities, but “none were significant enough to alter the results.”  Despite international approval of the electoral process Bemba supporters have accused Kabila of “systemically cheating” and plan to contest the result according to Reuters. The same report says western and African governments have contestation of the election “must be peaceful and follow legal channels.”

The situation in Congolese cities following the announcement is said to be “tense” with a heavy presence of U.N. peacekeeping forces.  Bemba’s rejection of the results has not yet led to any widespread violence throughout the country.  Despite the fears of violence following the Kabila victory, the Washington Post reports that “sort of violence…did not materialize.”

The United Nations mission in the DRC, MONUC, says that Congo’s Supreme Court must validate the results of the elections.  If the results are confirmed by the court President Kabila will be sworn in on December 10 as the first democratically elected leader of the DRC in over four decades.

Sources:

Reuters: Congo tense after Kabila declared election winner
U.N. (MONUC): Congolese heed appeals for calm on first night after Kabila win
Washington Post: Incumbent Declared Winner in Congo Vote
Washington Times: Kabila wins runoff election for president