Two years, and counting: Why Congo’s long wait for elections matters

For two years, voters in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been waiting to go to the polls to choose a new president, after 18 years under Joseph Kabila. The country has never had a peaceful transfer of power – let alone a democratic one. But on Thursday, three days before the long-awaited election was scheduled to be held, Congo’s voters learned the wait isn’t over. Officials have suspended the Dec. 23 election for a week, blaming logistical difficulties.

A low-grade civil war grinds on in the country’s east, and Congo is battling

First of all, why should I care what happens in a Congolese presidential election?So, what are the chances it will be free and fair?OK. Who’s actually running for president?Is there likely to be violence?Is there anything to be hopeful about?