FACTBOX-Key political risks to watch in Congo

Mon Aug 1, 2011 9:37am GMT

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By Jonny Hogg

KINSHASA Aug 1 (Reuters) - Democratic Republic of Congo is seeking stability while battling economic woes and rebel insurgencies as it gears up for elections later this year.

The polls for the presidency and parliament, due in late 2011, will be the second since the official end to the 1998-2003 war, which drew in six foreign armies and resulted in the deaths of 5 million people. Here are some factors to watch:

POLITICS

President Joseph Kabila came to power after his father was assassinated in 2001, winning presidential elections in 2006.

Rather than pushing through steps towards decentralisation set out in the constitution, Kabila has concentrated power and analysts say political oppression is on the rise.

Kabila's chances of re-election later this year were boosted when parliament approved constitutional changes that scrapped the possibility of a run-off between the two leading candidates if neither has an absolute majority.

What to watch: Continued...

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