Presidential candidate Martin Fayulu says the will of the people will be crucial in picking the common candidate to lead the proposed opposition coalition for the 2023 General Elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
About seven leading opposition candidates are said to be preparing for a meeting in South Africa to chart the way forward and pick a common candidate for the pact.
Fayulu who is bidding for presidency on the Lamuka Coalition ticket, is among the opposition leaders set to discuss a the possibility of endorsing a common candidate while others include Ensemble Pour la Republique’s Moïse Katumbi, independent candidates Dénis Mukwenge, Seth Kikuni, former Prime Minister Matata Ponyo Mapon and Delly Sesanga.
During a political gathering in Kananga, the Lamuka Coalition leader seized the opportunity to address the proposed opposition coalition and said he and his party would rely on the choice that will be made by the people to endorse a common candidate.
“I did not put myself forward as an opposition candidate, I am a candidate, it is up to the candidate people to choose. What do the people say, the leader can proclaim himself leader but what do the people say, respect the people and we will take the choice of the people,” Fayulu said.
Fayulu said this at the gathering held at Saint Pius Grounds in Kananga, Kasai Province where he has embarked on a party revitalization tour.
With a total of 26 candidates bidding for the presidency, the opposition candidates have proposed to come together and form a joint candidacy in order to strengthen the challenge to unseat incumbent Fèlix Tshisekedi in the 20th December polls.
