Following the publication of provisional results on January 13, supporters of the Movement for the Liberation of the Congo (MLC) party took to the streets in the Congolese capital, Kinshasa, to dispute the number of seats the party won.

Led by Defence Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba, the MLC is an ally of newly re-elected President Felix Tshisekedi, and a member of the ruling coalition, Sacred Union.

Provisional results showed that MLC won only 19 of 500 seats in parliament.

A senior MLC member, who preferred anonymity told Reuters that he believed the number of seats that the MLC had officially won was too low.

The protesters set tyres on fire and chanted slogans critical of the national electoral commission, CENI. Congolese police moved in, beating some protesters and arresting others.

Local and international observer missions reported that insecurity, logistical issues, and preparatory shortcomings created significant delays and barriers to voting on election day.

The reported incidents of fraud and corruption raised doubts about the integrity of the results.

The protesters said the make-up of the National Assembly does not reflect the MLC's true election performance.

Sources from Kinshasa say wrangles between Bemba and Tshisekedi are likely to flare up, following the rigging of the December 20 polls which led to Bemba’s party winning very few seats.

The rebel-turned-politician has been loyal to Tshisekedi since he appointed him Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. But the election rigging has created disputes.

Tshisekedi’s UDPS party won 69 seats, while parties of Senate President Modeste Bahati Lukwebo and Economy Minister Vital Kamerhe won 35 seats, each.

Prior to the publication of provisional results, the electoral commission had cancelled the votes cast for 82 candidates who contested in the legislative and local council elections, on accusations of involving in illegal activities which include fraud, illegal possession of voting material and intimidation. Among them, 12 candidates were from Tshisekedi’s UDPS party.

Three sitting ministers and four provincial governors were named on the list of the candidates whose votes were annulled. They include minister for vocational training Antoinette Kipulu Kabenga, regional-integration minister Didier Mazenga Mukanzu, minister in the president’s office Nana Manuanina Kihimba, and head of Kinshasa province, Gentiny Ngobila.

Despite being declared winner, Tshisekedi is covering all his tracks to make sure he is secure. He wants to have total control of the institutions of power.

But Congolese all over the country continue to challenge Tshisekedi’s sham win.