The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has seen a peaceful election process take place recently, with President Felix Tshisekedi re-elected for a second term. After an extended period of tension in the country following a disputed election in December of 2018, the new vote has been seen as a much needed moment of stability and a peaceful resolution to a tense political situation.
Though the initial election saw Tshisekedi victorious, his victory was contested by many in the DRC for being too close, and there were also many claims of fraudulence, which caused much of the tension and anxiety in the country for over two years. Eventually, after months of complications and delays, the country was able to come together to elect President Tshisekedi once more, in a process that many hoped would be an example of progress for the region.
The re-election of Tshisekedi is a critical moment for the DRC overall, as the president has promised to make a number of changes to the country’s political system. From plans to combat extreme poverty and make use of the country’s natural resources to prioritize healthcare, education, and investment across the board, President Tshisekedi is attempting to bring the country into a more prosperous state.
This recent re-election could mark a beginning for the DRC when it comes to revitalizing its economy and the well being of its citizens. With the vow to promote economic growth, improve security and safety, and invest in a number of areas, the re-election of Felix Tshisekedi appears to be a crucial opportunity for the Democratic Republic of Congo to make changes and move past a turbulent political past.