Delayed Congolese election will prompt a crisis

Significance

Crackdowns against the political opposition have increased as the government tries to stifle political dissent. The constitution mandates presidential and national assembly elections by late November, but the incumbent, President Joseph Kabila, appears unwilling to leave office despite reaching his term limit.

Impacts

• Tshisekedi's return will raise the stakes in the country's political crisis.
• Instability or political violence risks shattering DRC's fragile economic recovery.
• The UN could expand the mandate of its mission in the DRC depending on the outcome of the political process.