To permit citizens to vote in the presidential elections, the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has declared a bank holiday for Wednesday, December 20th 2023, and as in previous elections, has closed the borders and suspended domestic flights.
Millions of voters in the Democratic Republic of Congo are heading to the polls this week for presidential and legislative elections.
Around 44 million people will cast their ballots, with the provisional results expected on December 31st Whoever wins the most votes in the first round becomes the next president, with no provision for a runoff round. The new president is expected to be sworn in on January 20th 2024.
This could be the second peaceful power transfer in the country’s history since independence from Belgium in June 1960.
Voters on the same day will also be electing 500 members of the National Assembly, members of 26 provincial assemblies and municipal councillors.
