By Kudra Maliro
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has said that it will close its borders on Wednesday for the December 20, 2023 General Election.
The country's Director General of Migration Roland Kashwantale said on Tuesday that "domestic flights have been suspended, with exception of international flights at the international airports."
Kashwantale said that the directorate of immigration acted on "instructions of the government."
Air, land and sea borders will be closed from midnight to 11:59pm local time (10:59 GMT) on Wednesday, the directorate of immigration said in a statement.
Crowded presidential race
DRC will hold its presidential, legislative, provincial and municipal elections on December 20.
At least 20 presidential candidates will seek election. They include the incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi, opposition candidates Martin Fayulu and Moise Katumbi, medical doctor Denis Mukwege, and Marie-Josee Ifoku, the only female contestant.
Tens of thousands of aspirants will run for National Assembly, Provincial Assembly and Municipal Council elections.
More than 40 million people in DRC registered as voters ahead of the December 20 polls.
Troubled regions
Voters in Rutshuru and Masisi in the country's east and Kwamouth in the country's west, however, will not take part in the election due to insecurity, the government said.
DRC's electoral commission chairperson Denis Kadima Kazadi has said that the voters' register is "reliable" and "not corrupt."
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