The Final Countdown To Congo's Elections

Dr. Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja explores a wide range of issues in the lead up to the November 28 elections following his recent article in The Guardian, entitledCongo's Violent Election Countdown Reflects Rejection of Regime. During his interview with Friends of the Congo, Dr. Nzongola engages in a broad exchange that delves into the following issues:

• A comparison of the 2011 elections with the 2006 polls
• The idea of Congo as a failed state
• Whether or not the Independent Electoral Commision (CENI) is independent
• Who makes up the opposition and the formation of a unified front
• The role of the international community in the elections
• The role of Congo's neighbors
• Who is Etienne Tshisekedi and from whence he draws his support
• President Joseph Kabila's accomplishments or lack thereof
• The implications of a one-round vote and the change in Congo's constitution
• The Prospect of violence in the elections
• Prospects for development of the Congo
• The role of Congolese youth in the future of the country

Click here to listen to Dr Nzongola's interview with Kambale Musavuli, spokesperson of Friends of the Congo. Dr Nzongola is the author of "The Congo:From Leopold to Kabila - A People's History." He is as a professor of African and Afro-American Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Visit our website for an overview of the elections, latest news, blog updates, audio and video footage, reports from local and international NGOs, the candidates and their
platforms, background to the elections and key election related dates and events.

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