KINSHASA, Congo — Hundreds of supporters of spurned Congo opposition candidate Martin Fayulu are gathering in the capital to denounce what they call “the people’s stolen victory.”
A heavy police presence is on hand as Fayulu is expected to speak. He accuses outgoing President Joseph Kabila of making a backroom deal with the declared election winner, opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi.
Fayulu has two days from the election announcement early Thursday to file a court challenge. The influential Catholic Church says its 40,000 election observers found a different winner, and diplomats briefed on its findings say Fayulu easily won.
Congolese face the extraordinary situation of an election allegedly rigged in favour of the opposition after Kabila’s ruling party candidate did poorly.
One Fayulu supporter says that “change cannot be negotiated behind closed doors.”
The Associated Press
