Thousands protest postponement of presidential election in Congo

Thousands of protesters on Monday blocked roads in Kinshasa, capital of Democratic Republic of Congo with burning tires to protest the postponement of presidential elections.
The country’s electoral commission had requested the constitutional court to consider postponing the November elections billed for Friday, as preparations could not be completed in time.
Meanwhile President Joseph Kabila’s second term in office will end on December 19.
Report says that though a new election date had not been fixed, the opposition is concerned that the 45-year-old ruler is trying to extend his rule.
“Under the DRC’s constitution, Kabila is not eligible to seek a third term.
“We are protesting to tell Kabila enough is enough,’’ opposition leader Martin Fayulu told newsmen.
Protesters in Kinshasa and in the second-largest city, Lumbumbashi, blocked roads while holding banners that read: “Respect the constitution,’’ “Kabila must quit and go”.
Witnesses said that police used live bullets against the peaceful demonstrators.
Independent journalist Suzanne Poupette told newsmen that she saw four people killed by police in Kinshasa.
Opposition members clashed with the police in the Eastern city of Goma and police responded with teargas to disperse them.
According to civil society organisation Access to Justice Assocation, over 50 protesters had been arrested across the country.
The protests came after Congo’s largest opposition parties rejected a proposal that Kabila remain in power until elections are held.
According to the constitution, the electoral commission must call for presidential elections 90 days before the end of a president’s mandated term.

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