A RUNNER-UP in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s recent presidential election has officially filed a challenge to the results of the vote and alleged fraud.
Martin Fayulu, who claims a backroom deal took place between the delcared winner Felix Tshisekedi and incumbent President Joseph Kabila, arrived at the constitutional court yesterday to file a challenge to the official result.
Fayulu’s coalition, based on Catholic Church figures, says he won 61% of the vote – but DR Congo’s electoral commission says he secured 34% and Tshisekedi received 38%.
The commission’s president has responded that there are now two options: the official results are accepted, or the election is annulled altogether.
Fayulu’s lawyer Feli Ekombe announced the official appeal yesterday morning, and told AFP: “The petition demands the annulment of the results proclaiming Felix Tshisekedi president of the republic. It was introduced yesterday [Friday] and today we have come to get the receipts for this petition.”
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