DRC has never had a peaceful transition of power since it attained independence in 1960. The current president, Joseph Kabila succeeded his late father, Laurent Kabila who was assassinated in 2002.
The nation is set to enjoy its first ever democratic election if it goes ahead despite the delays and violence. It will also mark the first time DRC votes in a president if Kabila steps down since this is his last term, according to the constitution.
The government accused Moise Katumbi, a key challenger to Kabila of hiring mercenaries to protect him. He was also sentenced in absentia to three years in prison for allegedly selling a house that did not belong to him in Lulumbashi. The sentence if unsuccessfully appealed will rule him out of the race. Katumbi fled to France in May but vowed to return.
The U.S. government imposed sanctions on two senior government officials. It froze the assets of Gen Gabriel Kumba, an army general and John Numbi, a retired senior police officer, both allied to President Joseph Kabila, after accusing them of suppressing the opposition supporters and politicians. Numbi threatened to kill opposition candidates while Gen Kumba commanded units that killed about 40 people during protests last year.
In September, at least 50 people were killed when security forces opened fire on opposition supporters at a rally in Kinshasa, the capital of Africa’s biggest producer of copper.
The election was set for November this year. Commission Electorale Nationale Independante (CENI), the electoral body postponed the elections to December 2018. The body said it will complete updating voter register in July 2017 and then require at least 500 more days to organize the poll.
The declaration by CENI that elections may take place in December 2018 and the Constitutional Court ruling that Kabila should stay in power until elections are held, effectively pushed him past the two-terms that are stipulated under the constitution.
In September, the headquarters of three main opposition parties, Forces of Union and Solidarity (FONUS), Lumumbist Progressive Movement (LPM) and Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) were set ablaze in September.
Angry protesters burnt alive a police officer when security forces opened fire at opposition supporters at a rally in the capital, Kinshasa. They also set ablaze a giant poster of Kabila.
Some of Kabila’s supporters called for a constitutional change to end the two term limit to the presidency. Henri Mova Sakani, secretary general of People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), the ruling party made the calls during Kabila’s 45th birthday celebrations in June, this year.This is meant ensure Kabila stays in power without facing any resistance.
