Congolese Edmontonians anxiously await DRC election results

Congolese Edmontonians are voicing their concerns over a government crackdown on electronic communications as they await election results in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Thegovernment blocked internet connections and instant messaging on Monday, arguing the move was necessary to preserve public order and prevent social media speculation.

But opposition supporters feared suppressed communication was another way to rig Sunday's vote where they say widespread fraud has already taken place. Thegovernment denies the allegation.

"We are concerned that the Congolese government is trying to change the electoral result to manipulate the vote," said Edmontonian VictorMoke-Ngala, who can no longer communicate with family members living in the vast,mineral-rich central African country."We want a change."

• Congo opposition, ruling coalition both claim to have won chaotic election

The vote willelect asuccessor to outgoing President JosephKabilaand is meant to mark the country's first democratic transition of power.

But after 18 years in power, critics say,Kabilais determined to hang on by securing a win for his chosencandidateEmmanuelRamazaniShadary.

Pre-election polling suggested Shadarywas running behind opposition candidates Martin Fayulu and Felix Tshisekedi,but both sides have expressed confidence in a victory.

'We are the voice of the voiceless'

Edmontonian Robert Suraki Watum said it is "a duty" for the Congolese diasporato speak out publicly about the election, since they have the freedom to do so.

"We are the voice of the voiceless," he said, describing DRC as an "open prison."

African Union observers described the election as "peaceful" but said they "strongly wish" the outcome wouldreflect the decision of the people.

Edmontoniansurged the government of Canada to be cautiousbefore recognizing election results and taking any action if the ruling coalition loses but refuses to give up power.