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DRC: Opposition candidates demand poll cancellation, claim voting marred by ‘total chaos’

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DRC – Voting in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s high-stakes presidential election has reportedly been marred by lengthy delays and claims of fraud.

BBC news reported that some polling stations did not open all day, leading to widespread frustration.

Voting had been extended into Thursday in some areas.

Four opposition candidates have called for the election to be cancelled.

One of them described the poll as “total chaos”, following violence during the campaign.

President Félix Tshisekedi faced 18 candidates as he seeks a second term.

Some 44 million people were eligible to cast their ballots, following a campaign dominated by worsening conflict in the mineral-rich east.

DR Congo is roughly four times the size of France, but lacks basic infrastructure – even some of its main cities are not linked by road.

About two-thirds of the country’s 100 million population live below the poverty line, earning US$2.15 (£1.7) a day or less.

The UN, Egypt and neighbouring Congo-Brazzaville helped fly election material to remote areas.

Polls had been due to open at 06:00 local time (04:00 GMT in Goma; 05:00 GMT in Kinshasa), and close after 11 hours. But widespread delays were reported.

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