DR Congo ruling party, opposition to hold parallel rallies over president's mandate

The ruling party and opposition parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) are set to hold two parallel political rallies in the capital Kinshasa on Thursday.

The ruling party plans to organize a series of marches to support the decision by the Constitutional Court to allow President Joseph Kabila to remain in power beyond his mandate which ends in December 2016, until the organization of presidential elections.

Meanwhile, the opposition rally aims to denounce the Constitutional Court ruling and it will call for the organization of presidential elections within the constitutional timeline.

Political analysts have expressed concern over the rising political tension in DR Congo and have warned that this could escalate into civil conflict.

The constitution requires Kabila to step down in December after two five-year terms in office.

The country's electoral commission has said a nationwide census, which could take at least 17 months, is needed for voter registration before the elections are held.

Some opposition leaders have accused Kabila of trying to delay the elections to extend his mandate.

In its weekly press conference on Wednesday in Kinshasa, the UN Mission for Stabilization of Congo appealed for restraint from the Congolese political class. Endit