DR Congo Opposition Election Deal Flounders

Felix Tshisekedi, the leader of the largest opposition party in Democratic Republic of Congo, has withdrawn his support to put forward a joint opposition candidate for the election to be held on 23 December.

The Union for Democracy and Social Progress party leader made the announcement a day after the agreement was announced.

“I gather that the agreement reached in Geneva was not accepted by the grassroots and was rejected by them. As a result, I am withdrawing my signature from this agreement, which we signed yesterday,” Mr Tshisekedi said in an interview with radio station Top Congo.

Seven opposition leaders, meeting in Switzerland on Sunday, picked little-known MP Martin Fayulu as their joint candidate.

President Joseph Kabila, in power for 18 years, will step down after the long-delayed vote.

Another opposition leader, Vital Kamerhe, also pulled out from the deal saying there was not enough grassroots support among party members.

The ruling coalition has picked Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, a loyalist of President Kabila, as its candidate.

Source: BBC