DR CONGO : Presidential poll is a ‘parody’ – Bemba

The former Democratic Republic of Congo warlord, Jean-Pierre Bemba, has dismissed plans for his country’s long-delayed presidential election in December, after he was excluded from standing.

He described them as a parody,

On Monday, DR Congo’s highest court ruled that Mr Bemba was ineligible because of a conviction for witness tampering by the International Criminal Court. The ICC cleared him of war crimes charges on appeal.

Mr Bemba – one of six presidential hopefuls excluded – accused President Joseph Kabila of trying to ensure that his preferred successor did not face a serious challenge.

The former warlord returned home to Congo last month to a rousing welcome.

Another leading critic of Mr Kabila, exiled opposition leader Moise Kabumbi was prevented from returning home last month to register his candidacy.