DRC Decides: How Ugandans sneaked to vote in DR Congo

Hundreds of Ugandans from greater Nebbi in westnile Sub-region have found their way through the porous borders to cast their ballots in Eastern DR Congo yesterday in the national polls.

Congolese voters are electing 100,000  parliamentary, provincial and municipal representatives.

Many Ugandans in greater Nebbi especially those that live along the border sub-counties have national Identification of either state which is one of the prerequisites of voting qualification in DR Congo.

The Ugandan population along the border shares a similar language and culture with their Congolese Counterparts.

 Yesterday, Sam Rwothomio, one of the Ugandans from Paidha Town Council  Zombo District who crossed to Congo Voted his favorite Candidates in the DR Congo polls marred by delays and other technicalities.

Rwothomio told the whispereye news in an interview that he has  “the national Identification of DRCongo” adding that they are one people who do business and other engagements with Congolese all the time.

Another voter Kisarach Benard from Nyibola ward Paidha Town Council Zombo District told the whispereye news” We are one people, even Congolese vote here in Uganda, we share national Identifications of either state and nothing can stop us “.

Other Ugandans crossed to DR Congo with their Congolese friends to vote in Azalama polling station in Mahagi Territory,  Ituri Province A few killometres away from the Ugandan Town of Paidha in Zombo District.

The 75,000 polling stations across DR Congo experienced delays in the delivery of election materials officials of the electoral commission told the BBC news yesterday evening.

Tekakwo Bridget a voter from  Palara Cheferie in Mahagi Territory in DR Congo expressed frustration to this reporter at Azalama polling station adding that”  many expectant mothers and PWDs were not given priorities compelling them to abandon the ongoing polls”.

Job Ocaymungu, An election observer in Azalama polling station in Mahagi Territory Ituri province without giving statistics confirmed that many people have not voted as a result of the delayed arrival of polling materials.

18 candidates are up against the incumbent president Felix Sichekedi, in a country where 44 million people were okayed to cast their ballots except in some eastern parts of DR Congo, which is experiencing numerous militant operations.

Voting has been extended into a second day in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s presidential election after widespread problems led to delays in many places on Wednesday  The BBC reported on Thursday.

DR Congo Media quoted election chief  Denis Kadima saying  “estimated 70% of voters had cast their ballots “.

Four of Incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi’s challengers have called for the entire poll to be cancelled due to numerous challenges experienced in the polls According to the BBC.