Union pour la Démocratie et le Progrès Social, (UDPS), the ruling party in the Democratic Republic of Congo, handpicked Saturday August 26 country’s incumbent leader Felix Antoine Tshisekedi as the movement’s candidate for forthcoming presidential elections slated for December 2023.
The party held an extraordinary Congress and chose Tshiesekedi, ahead of the election, local media Radio Okapi reports.
The party’s choice is not a surprise as the 60-year old man already this year hinted at his possible candidacy for a second term in office. Tshiesekedi, came to power in January 2019 after disputed elections that resulted in the end of President Joseph Kabila’s 18-year reign.
Several other people have also announced their bids for the polls. Other bids include former ally Moise Katumbi, leader of Ensemble pour la République.
The former chair of the independent Electoral Committee, Corneille Nangaa also in February this year announced plans to run for the elections.