KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged an end to the violence surrounding presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
At least two people died in clashes in the country's capital Kinshasa Saturday, prompting Gov. Andre Kimbuta to ban campaigning, Radio France Internationale reported Sunday. Because of the ban, Presidential challenger Etienne Tshisekedi was blocked by police at the airport Saturday as he attempted to hold a rally ahead of Monday's vote.
Ban has urged restraint by the 11 presidential contenders and more than 18,000 candidates vying for 500 parliamentary seats, Voice of America reported. He called on politicians to respect election laws and use peaceful means to settle disputes about results.
Incumbent Joseph Kabila is expected to win a third term because the number of opposing candidates could potentially split the vote, Voice of America reported.
Heavy rains have delayed ballot deliveries to about 60,000 polling stations, prompting fears Monday's elections would have to be delayed, RFI said.
"I'm not expecting any change," Daniel Ngoy Mulunda, the Congolese electoral commission chief, told RFI. "God is on our side. We've had some delays from the weather but we know that it will work. And on Monday it won't rain."
