EU urges Congo authorities to redouble election efforts

BRUSSELS – The European Union has urged authorities in Congo to breathe new life into the electoral process so that political chaos doesn’t undermine the chances for free, fair and inclusive polls.

EU foreign ministers called Monday on authorities to draw up a new calendar for a vote currently scheduled for November and update electoral lists.

They said only a government that is “legitimate and democratically elected can bring stability and unite all forces in the country.”

Tension is building in Congo as President Joseph Kabila’s manoeuvrs to avoid a national election and remain in office beyond his constitutionally permitted term, U.S. officials and opposition members say.

Congo’s top opposition candidate for president flew to South Africa for medical treatment Friday after authorities issued an arrest warrant for him.