Etienne Tshisekedi’s call for a general strike beginning Monday around the Democratic Republic of Congo has largely been ignored.

Polling stations have opened in the capital Kinshasa and all over the Democratic Republic of Congo for the presidential and parliamentary elections. Nearly 32 million Congolese will elect their president and 500 national Members of Parliament. Observers sent by the candidates are witnessing the votes.

The spokesman for the provincial government of Kinshasa, Therese Olenga, said the decision was made in consultation with the provincial committee for security, and is intended to “preserve public order and social peace.”

President Kabila will rally supporters at Stade des Martyrs, while Etienne Tshisekedi has announced a rally in the capital upon his arrival at Njili airport. Vital Kamerhe will also hold a final rally at Stade Tata Raphael.

The Minister of Communication and Media, Lambert Mende, said on Wednesday that the government will ensure peace and security during the upcoming elections.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has withdrawn its envoy to the Republic of Congo, authorities in Kinshasa announced on Friday. The DRC’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alexis Thambwe Mwamba, said in a statement that ambassador Esther Kirongozi will leave Brazzaville immediately.

The 14th summit of the Heads of States of the Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC) ended in Kinshasa on Saturday.

Former Vice-President Jean-Pierre Bemba has been allowed by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to go to Brussels to attend a funeral mass for his father, Senator Jeannot Bemba Saolona, who died last Wednesday.

Parades were held all across the country today to commemorate the 49th anniversary of independence.