bemba Two babies and two policemen were killed the run-up to the presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo Mr. Jean Pierre Bemba, a candidate returned to the capital, Kinshasa. Clashes broke out in Kinshasa on Thursday after a camp for Mr. Bemba’s guards caught fire, killing two babies.



Later Mr. Bemba returned to the capital to hold a rally. The rally reportedly turned violent as news of the fire spread. His supporters attacked the police, killing two officers. Soldiers loyal to Mr. Bemba were armed with Kalashnikovs and rocket-propelled grenades.



Mr. Bemba’s supporters poured onto the streets when their candidate returned by air. They tore election banners of other candidates- a tactic other parties use as well.



The mood deteriorated w2hen a French fighter jet belonging to a European force sent to the region to provide additional security for the elections flew low over the capital.



This show of force as well as the use of teargas by the police to disperse the crowd infuriated Mr. Bemba’s supporters.



Several of the political parties say the incumbent President, Mr. Joseph Kabila, is the candidate of the establishment. Many political parties also say that Mr. Kabila is the favourite of the international community, so the low fly-past was seen by some people

opposed to him as being in support of him.



It could not be ascertained what caused the fire at Mr. Bemba’s bodyguard’s camp or how many injuries there were. The arson seemed to be in retaliation for the burning of the church of Sony Kafouta, a popular preacher, seen to be close to the government.



Prior to the violence in the capital one of the main obstacles to Sunday’s elections was removed on Wednesday when the three main militia groups in the troubled eastern province of Ituri agreed to lay down arms.



Election time in many parts of the world is when the simmering animus between political parties or candidates comes to the fore. It is the time for parties to trade charges of booth capturing or rigging. Elections in countries which have a record of irregularities should be overseen United Nations observers so that the will of the electorate manifests itself in the form of installation of a popular government. This will also put an end to unnecessary bloodshed between supporters of rival candidates.