Democratic Republic of Congo: Joseph Kabila’s ‘Men’ Win Majority Seats in Parliament

Just when we thought things cannot become more surprising in Democratic Republic of Congo, the latest elections results in the country have given us a re-think. Recent events in the country since its December 30, 2018 elections indicates that the country will receive a lot of attention in the coming years, not just from other parts of the continent but the world in general.

The world was caught unaware when news broke on Thursday morning that Felix Tshisekedi, leader of an opposition party in DRC had been declared winner of the elections, bringing an end to Kabila’s 18 year rule.

According to the electoral commission, Felix Tshisekedi scored more votes than Emmanuel Shadary – who was the anointed candidate of the outgoing president, Joseph Kabila; and Martin Fayulu – another opposition figure who led the pre-election and initial elections results.

The electoral commission said Mr Tshisekedi received 38.5% of the vote on 30 December, compared to 34.7% for Martin Fayulu, another opposition figure. Ruling coalition candidate Emmanuel Shadary only took 23.8%.

Many observers had predicted chaos in the country due to the fact that both Kabila’s camp and the Catholic church – which backed Martin Fayulu refuted the results, with the latter calling it an electoral coup.

In a twist of event however, it appears Joseph Kabila’s Common Front for Congo (FCC) coalition will remain in power longer than was perceived in the last few days, because the party has been reported to have won majority of the seats in the House of Parliament.

What this entails is that the president-elect, Felix Tshisekedi will have to cut short his celebrations and come up with a power-sharing deal with Joseph Kabila’s Common Front for Congo (FCC) coalition which will most likely see him appoint a Prime Minister from the FCC. 

If he doesn’t play to the tune of the FCC, who now have control of the House of Parliament, it will be difficult for him to pass bills or rule the country in the manner he wants. Another major cause of concern is the threat of a possible impeachment.

According to the election results announced for parliament, the Common Front for Congo won 288 of the 500 seats in the Congolese national assembly.

Tshisekedi’s Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) and its Union for the Congolese Nation (UNC) affiliate only managed 46. Martin Fayulu, who came second in the presidential race won 94 seats with his Lamuka coalition.