UN expects 'peaceful, transparent and inclusive' elections in Congo

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The UN expects the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to hold "peaceful, transparent, and inclusive elections,” a spokesman said Tuesday.

"Secretary-General (Antonio Guterres) reaffirms the continued support of the United Nations, through his Special Representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the Congolese people and looks forward to the holding of peaceful, transparent, and inclusive elections that will consolidate the country’s democratic institutions and put it on the path of economic prosperity," Stephane Dujarric told reporters.

His remarks came one day before more than 40 million people will vote in the DRC general election in which President Felix Tshisekedi is seeking a second five-year term.

"To this end, he calls on the authorities of the DRC, political leaders, civil society, and the Commission Electorale Nationale Independante (CENI) to ensure that all eligible voters have access to the polling stations and cast their ballots freely, without fear of intimidation or political persecution," he said.

Guterres deplores the violence during the electoral campaign and urges all political actors and supporters to refrain from actions that would further incite violence or exacerbate hate speech against certain communities or groups and attacks against women candidates, said Dujarric.

"He encourages all parties to exercise maximum restraint in their words and actions," he added.