Congo’s elections may become more contentious

Significance

Several have already been excluded from the presidential race. Though notoriously divided, opposition leaders are united in believing that the regime is manipulating the electoral process to remain in power. They may nevertheless struggle to form a coherent response.

Impacts

• Electronic voting will be a major focus of opposition and popular concern over electoral fraud.
• The electoral commission will face technical, logistical and financial obstacles to organising elections on time.
• The opposition may seek to coordinate with religious and civil society organisations, to leverage their popular legitimacy.