Europe

EU urges Congo authorities to redouble election efforts

Associated Press
Published | Updated

FILE - In this file photo dated Friday, April 22, 2016, Congolese President Joseph Kabila speaks Friday, April 22, 2016 at U.N. headquarters. Longtime incumbent Kabila is constitutionally barred from seeking another term in office, but Congo's top opposition candidate for the upcoming presidential election Moise Katumbi flew to South Africa for medical treatment Friday May, 20, 2016, one day after authorities issued an arrest warrant for him. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, FILE) (The Associated Press)

European Union High Representative Federica Mogherini, center, speaks with, from left, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn, Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders and Slovenian Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec prior to a group photo of EU foreign ministers at the EU Council building in Brussels on Monday, May 23, 2016. Libya has given the European Union a green light to begin training its coast guard, as increasing numbers of migrants leave the country bound for Italy. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) (The Associated Press)

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, left, speaks with Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn, center, and Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders during a round table meeting of EU foreign ministers at the EU Council building in Brussels on Monday, May 23, 2016. Libya has given the European Union a green light to begin training its coast guard, as increasing numbers of migrants leave the country bound for Italy. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) (The Associated Press)

The European Union has urged authorities in Congo to breathe new life into the electoral process so that political chaos doesn't undermine the chances for free, fair and inclusive polls.

EU foreign ministers called Monday on authorities to draw up a new calendar for a vote currently scheduled for November and update electoral lists.

They said only a government that is "legitimate and democratically elected can bring stability and unite all forces in the country."

Tension is building in Congo as President Joseph Kabila's maneuvers to avoid a national election and remain in office beyond his constitutionally permitted term, U.S. officials and opposition members say.

Congo's top opposition candidate for president flew to South Africa for medical treatment Friday after authorities issued an arrest warrant for him.