Today DR Congo holds its first free election since 1960. It has been postponed several times over the last couple of years and I've followed each develpment in class with Congolese students - first in HK and now in London.
Despite a number of reported problems, including 5 million additional ballot papers, the UN has been pleased with preparations. Most observers expect the incumbent president, Joseph Kabila, to remain in power. I find this hard to reconcile with what my students say about Kabila. I guess I have only met people who have fled the country.
In any case, I hope that the election is a step towards peace and the end of the incredible suffering in DR Congo. I've left a spare hour in my Wednesday class to fill with some election news.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Yes an amazingly momentous occasion. The first democratic election since the one which lead to Patrice Lumumba being elected PM. All the best poor, dear Congo.
It sounds like election day went very smoothly. That's a good start.
Post a Comment