DR Congo Election: Fire engulfs electoral commission building housing voting machines and ballot boxes

Just 10 days to the long-awaited presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo, an election commission building in the capital, Kinshasa, where thousands of voting machines and ballot boxes were stored has been destoryed by fire which broke out on Wednesday night.

Presidential adviser, Barnabe Kikaya bin Karubi said on Thursday that about 7,000 of the 10,000 voting machines due to be used in the election was destroyed  but assured that preparations for the election were continuing.

He blamed unidentified "criminals" for the blaze adding that the police guard at the warehouse house has been placed under arrest.

The fire broke out about 2 a.m. (0100 GMT) and forensic police have now launched an investigation, Kikaya said.

Several opposition candidates have questioned the cause of the fire and called for an investigation. They also expressed fears the blaze may bring about further delays.




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