Congolese Runoff Election Avoids Widespread Violence, Applauded by International Observers
November 2, 2006

Despite the violence preceding the presidential run-off election in the Democratic Republic of Congo, international observers have praised the elections as “remarkably calm” and transparent according to MONUC, the U.N. mission in Congo.  CNN also reports that “EU observers had judged the vast majority of polling stations on voting day as good or very good.”  The Carter Center, a U.S. based election monitoring group, has also given the elections “its stamp of approval” according to the New York Times. 

Many feared widespread violence on election day between supporters of incumbent President Kabila and his opponent Jean-Pierre Bemba, but violence was limited to a small number of incidents.  According to the Taipei Times sporadic riots flared after a soldier killed two elections workers, resulting in the destruction of ballots and polling stations.  Another person died “when protesters who suspected ballot tampering ransacked a dozen polling stations,” but international observers said “the violence…was not the norm.”  MONUC reports that the EU Electoral Observation Mission deployed over 300 observers at 1,080 voting stations throughout the country. 

The relative peace that surrounded the vote on election day was a step forward for the country, but there are still fears of widespread violence when the winner of the election is announced.  The New York Times reports that in August supporters of Kabila and Bemba clashed, “killing at least 20 people” following the initial round of voting.  The same report predicts a close race between the two candidates, reflecting a “polarized nation” resting on fragile peace.  According to the Washington Post “Kabila and Bemba pledged to accept the election result,” an agreement that international observers have deemed necessary maintain stability after the votes are tallied.  The results of the runoff are not expected for at least another week.

Sources:

CCD: Lead up to Congo Elections Marred by Violence, Civil Servant Warns of War
CNN:  Monitors urge calm in Congo vote
MONUC: EU observers: The polling day took place in remarkably calm atmosphere
New York Times: Observers Deem Congo Runoff Fair, but Vote Tally Isn’t Final
Taipei Times: Congo vote hailed a success despite violence
Washington Post: Historic Vote in Congo Is Peaceful