Legislative vote begins in Congo in areas affected by Ebola

BENI, Congo – Legislative elections are long overdue in three Congo cities after the authorities postponed them due to Ebola and violence.

On Sunday, in the city of Beni, voters wash their hands before entering polling centers to protect themselves against Ebola, which is transmitted by the bodily fluids of sick people.

Voters in Beni, Butembo and Yumbi were not allowed to vote in January when Congo chose a new president. Officials said the Ebola virus was too big a threat at the time in the eastern cities of Beni and Butembo.

Elections were delayed in Yumbi due to inter-communal violence.

Voter turnout should be low. Albert Somo, a teacher from Beni, said people were disappointed and discouraged not to be able to participate in the presidential vote.