Kabila supporters want him as president if elections delay in DRC

Supporters of Congo president Joseph Kabila have called on the country’s Supreme Court to allow him remain as president if the election fails to hold in November.

Kabila’s mandate which began in 2001 ends in December and he is required to step down as required by the constitution.

Government officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo have suggested that the organisation of the election could be delayed due to logistic and budgetary constraints.

Kabila supporters have been citing article 70 of the constitution as the legal backing for Kabila to stay in power should the election not hold on time.

Calls from the president’s supporters are a complete contrast with the opposition which has urged the courts to ensure that the election is organised in November as recommended by the UN Security Council resolution.

Others insist that the senate should manage any transition citing article 75 of the constitution which requires that power should be handed over to the president of the senate in case of any vacancy.