US Calls On Congo To Hold Credible, Transparent Elections In December - State Department

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st November, 2018) The United States has called on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to conduct credible and transparent elections next month, US Department of State spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a statement on Wednesday.

"The stakes are high. Credible and transparent elections will help alleviate the DRC's humanitarian and development challenges, improve the country's ability to attract investment, and reinforce stability across the DRC and the region," Nauert said in the release.

The released added that the Democratic Republic of Congo is at a critical juncture and the December 23 elections present a historic opportunity for the African nation.

"The world is watching as the Congolese people exercise their right to vote and determine their country's future," Nauert said.

On October 26, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) said that it will send a monitoring mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo to ensure the presidential election's compliance with democratic procedures.

The United Nations in September raised concerns about the use of excessive force by the Democratic Republic of Congo's law enforcement after political activists were arrested and killed by the police.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has been led by President Joseph Kabila since 2001. The president's second term expired in 2016, however, the authorities had been putting off the presidential election since then.