Congo: Runner-up asks supporters to accept results of March 20 polls

The runner-up in the Republic of Congo’s disputed March 20 presidential poll, Guy-Brice Parfait, has called on his supporters to accept the results declared by the country’s electoral commission.

His call comes days after he had asked the government to investigate clashes that erupted in the country’s capital, Brazzaville, on Monday between government forces and unidentified assailants in the southern part of the city.

Congo: Opposition leader calls for probe into Monday’s deadly violence in Brazzaville —>https://t.co/R0WPrZDAi1 pic.twitter.com/JgL3iaHANv

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There had earlier been pockets of violence between supporters of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and opposition supporters after the final results were declared, which the opposition disputed.

Guy Parfait, one of nine candidates who contested the presidential election in March, on Wednesday asked his supporters not to further contest the results.

“I say here that I Guy Brice Parfait Kolélas, accept the verdict. No matter how questionable the constitutional court’s decision is. It’s with a heavy heart and with sadness that I address all those who trusted me. Persevere in faith that one day we will overcome the ideals for which we fight,” he told his supporters through the press.

Kolélas still remains convinced that the results of the elections are flawed.

The other opposition candidates have also described the election as flawed and had called for a campaign of civil disobedience.

Results declared by the head of the court, Auguste Iloki, put president Sassou Nguesso in the lead with 60 percent. Kolelas came in second with 15 percent and former army chief, Jean Marie Michel Mokoko placed third with nearly 14 percent of the votes.

Congo Constitutional Court affirms Sassou's poll victory, opposition complaint thrown outhttps://t.co/X086Esd0ad pic.twitter.com/sIa1KvEwMI

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Despite the opposition’s foul cry, the country’s Constitutional Court on Monday affirmed the reelection of the incumbent president and dismissed the opposition’s motions challenging Nguesso’s victory.

AFP