Sankuru gubernatorial race: Legal challenge threatens April 15 election timetable

Sankuru April 4, 2026 - A legal dispute over candidate eligibility has introduced fresh uncertainty into the electoral process for the governorship of Sankuru province, with a key court hearing scheduled for April 10. The Council of State is set to examine a case filed by gubernatorial candidate Justin Omokala Wemambolo, who is contesting the final list of candidates published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). Omokala is challenging the inclusion of fellow candidate Jules Lodi Emongo, arguing that his candidacy as an independent violates constitutional and electoral provisions. According to him, Emongo-elected as a senator under the banner of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress-failed to formally resign from his party before declaring an independent bid, as required by law. He also contests the eligibility of Emongo’s running mate for vice-governor, claiming the individual, a civil servant, did not submit a resignation or official leave of absence prior to entering the race, in breach of electoral regulations. The dispute follows a decision by the Sankuru Court of Appeal, which rejected Omokala’s appeal on procedural grounds, ruling that he lacked standing despite appearing on the provisional list of candidates. Omokala has since escalated the matter to the Council of State, the country’s highest administrative jurisdiction. He further criticized CENI for publishing the final list before the conclusion of ongoing legal proceedings, arguing that the electoral body should have awaited the outcome of the April 10 hearing. The controversy comes as the gubernatorial election, initially delayed due to funding constraints, is now scheduled for April 15. The final list includes 10 candidates, down from 11 following the withdrawal of one contender. With legal proceedings still underway, the outcome of the Council of State hearing could prove decisive in determining whether the electoral calendar in Sankuru can be maintained.