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Congo's neighbours call for vote recount in troubled election

KINSHASA, Congo — Congo’s neighbours are calling for a recount in the disputed presidential election and suggesting the formation of a government of national unity to avoid possible chaos.

The statements by the southern African and Great Lakes regional blocs put new pressure on President Joseph Kabila’s government to find a solution to the growing electoral crisis.

The declared presidential runner-up, Martin Fayulu, filed a court challenge on Saturday asking for a recount. He points to figures compiled by the influential Catholic Church’s election observers that found he won 61 per cent of the vote.

Fayulu accuses Kabila of declaring opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi the winner, in a backroom deal likely to protect his vast assets in the mineral-rich country from Fayulu’s anti-corruption efforts.

Fayulu’s coalition welcomed the new regional stance.

The Associated Press