Democratic Republic of Congo confirms 26 candidates for December election

(Reuters) – The Democratic Republic of Congo has officially registered 26 presidential candidates for a Dec. 20 election, a final list from the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) shows.

Old rivals, first-time contenders, and previously sidelined presidential hopefuls are among those running against President Felix Tshisekedi, creating a crowded field which some believe could split the opposition vote and increase his chances of securing a second term.

(Reporting by Sonia Rolley; writing by Alessandra Prentice; editing by Jason Neely)