Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), the immediate past chairman of the House Subcommittee on Africa, issued the following statement on the announced election result in the Democratic Republic of the Congo:

“A surprise victor has been declared winner of the recent presidential election in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Felix Tshisekedi.  Independent election observers question whether this reflects the actual results as independent tabulations appear to have favored another opposition candidate, Martin Fayulu. Regardless, with evidence still to be reviewed, for there to be a peaceful, authentic transition of power there must be full accountability and transparency in the election process. Local reports of voting irregularities and the suppression of certain members of the populace on the election day are extremely concerning and must be thoroughly investigated.

“I call upon the long-suffering Congolese people to remain calm as the election results are reviewed and the country prepares for a transition of power. If systematic electoral fraud occurred, or if violence is incited, then our government should apply the sanctioning tools it already possesses against those culpable. My colleague Karen Bass and I intend to reintroduce legislation shortly that will codify this authority.”