DR Congo 'attempt' to delay polls angers opposition

The Democratic Republic of the Congo's opposition has voiced outrage over President Felix Tshisekedi's "attempt" to delay the general elections scheduled for December 20 due to the ongoing insecurity in the east.

According to opposition politician Moise Katumbi's spokesperson Cherubin Okende, "the situation in the east of the country should not represent an excuse for the president to postpone the elections."

Mr. Okende reminded Mr. Tshisekedi of the commitment he made to locate the army's headquarters in the east early in his administration in an attempt to deal with armed groups effectively.

He said, "Four years later, the regime is still unable to bring calm to this region of the nation.

According to article 70 of the constitution, the president is chosen for a five-year tenure, according to opposition leader Martin Fayulu. He declared, "Tshisekedi must resign his position by January 23, 2024.

The two opposition politicians were reacting to Mr Tshisekedi's comments to French President Emmanuel Macron that the violence in the east may delay the elections.

However, detractors think that the governing alliance may postpone the elections in order to use a variety of challenges as an excuse.