Over 40 million registered voters in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) took to the polls today in the country's presidential, legislative, and provincial elections.

The day started off well, with the SADC Electoral Observer Mission (SEOM) expressing satisfaction with the process.

The mission is expected to issue its preliminary findings on Friday, December 22.

Incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi, who is seeking a second and final term, also cast his vote at St. George's College in Kinshasa.

The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, introduced an amendment to the Electoral Act of 2014 to delay the general registration of voters to no later than August 31, 2024.

The current law provides for the general registration of voters to be conducted at intervals not exceeding ten years.

The objective of the amendment is to adhere to the timelines provided for in the Act.

Section 25 of the Electoral Act provides for the general registration of voters not to exceed ten years.