DRC residents flee ahead of vote tally

People are fleeing the Democratic Republic of Congo out of fear of political violence surrounding recent elections, authorities said. Presidential and parliamentary elections last week marked the second time the country had democratic elections since gaining independence in 1960. African officials said there were "numerous" challenges that overshadowed otherwise "successful" elections in DRC. Authorities in neighboring Republic of the Congo said around 3,000 people arrived in the country from DRC since Friday. "These people say they fear violence because of the tense climate in the country and specifically in the capital Kinshasa, ahead of the election verdict," Congolese authorities were quoted by Bloomberg News as saying. Incumbent President Joseph Kabila is leading a pack of 11 candidates in the presidential election. Thousands of candidates, including a militia leader tied to crimes against humanity, jockeyed for seats on the country's legislative assembly. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, in statements last week, condemned political violence in DRC. U.N. investigators said more than 10 people were killed by security forces and those supporting political parties since last weekend. Presidential election results are expected Tuesday.