|
KINSHASA, Congo (AP) - The supreme court on Monday upheld President Joseph Kabila's victory in Congo's landmark elections, ruling as unfounded the runner-up's charges of widespread fraud in balloting meant to usher the restive Central African nation toward long-term peace and stability.
Kabila won the landmark Oct. 29 runoff with 58 percent of votes, compared with about 42 percent for former rebel leader Jean-Pierre Bemba, according to the tally confirmed by the court. Bemba had challenged the results, saying that the vote was invalidated by systematic cheating.
"The supreme court of justice proclaims Joseph Kabila elected by absolute majority," Chief Judge Benoit Lwamba said, in remarks broadcast on Congolese television. Judge Kalonda Teleoma said Bemba's charges were "without foundation."
|