Congo Elections An Important Milestone

Vote counting continues in the Democratic Republic of Congo following historic presidential and legislative elections on November 28. Despite technical and logistical difficulties in conducting the polling in such a large and sparsely developed country, the United states commends the coordination efforts of the National Independent Election Commission and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC. Further, the broad and tireless participation of observers comprising the international community, Congolese civil society, political parties and election officials was welcome.

Local and international election observers will soon be coming out with their assessments of the balloting and counting phases of the elections, and the United States is following these assessments closely. Despite the temporary delay of the announcement of the provisional results, it is crucial for the nation's peace and stability that candidates and their supporters wait peacefully.

The publication of the results is an essential step in the electoral process. Official election tallies from each polling station have already been given to observers and witnesses present in those stations. The accurate and timely publication of vote counts by polling stations in itself will contribute greatly toward a credible process.

The United States remains deeply committed to supporting the development of the DRC. These elections mark an important milestone for the Congo. We continue to strongly urge all Congolese political leaders and their supporters to act responsibly and to renounce violence, which has no place in the democratic process.