Opposition cries foul as Congo readies for vote

FILE PHOTO: Congolese Presidential candidate Moise Katumbi waves to his supporters at the Beni airport after holding campaign meetings in the Grand-Nord part of North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo, November 26, 2023. REUTERS/Arlette Bashizi/File Photo

GOMA/KINSHASA (Reuters) - As Democratic Republic of Congo gears up for elections next week, the opposition and independent observers warn that issues including illegible voter cards, blocked campaign planes, and electoral list delays threaten the legitimacy of the results.

For months, the CENI election commission has rejected criticism it is failing to deliver a free and fair vote as promised, even as it flags logistical setbacks organising the presidential and legislative ballot across Africa's second-largest country.