Congo Votes for Successor to Kabila in Long-Delayed Election
- African nation finally holds parliamentary, presidential votes
- Opposition has cried foul over crackdowns before polls
Voters check the roll at a polling station in Kinshasa on Dec. 30.
Photographer: Marco Longari/AFP via Getty Images
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The Democratic Republic of Congo voted Sunday for a successor to long-serving President Joseph Kabila after a tense campaign the opposition said was marred by crackdowns and disruptions.
Kabila’s handpicked successor, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, is running for the ruling coalition and faces strong challenges from opposition alliances headed by Felix Tshisekedi and Martin Fayulu. The current president, in power for almost 18 years, is barred by the constitution from running for a third term, having won elections in 2006 and 2011. Voters will also select national and provincial lawmakers.