Fractures will undermine Congo’s opposition poll hopes

Significance

However, this strategy had already been fatally undermined earlier in the week, when two of the would-be coalition’s leading members -- Felix Tshisekedi and Vital Kamerhe -- reneged on their commitments, only one day after agreeing to back Fayulu.

Impacts

• A divided opposition is far less likely to gain traction on issues such as rejection of electronic voting.
• A timely poll is now more likely as the majority senses victory and the opposition lacks leverage to secure a delay and better conditions.
• Elections may still be delayed for technical, logistical, financial or security reasons, as preparations fall behind and tensions mount.