The Constitutional Council has ruled in favour of presidential candidate Serge Espoir Matomba in his electoral dispute with opposition figure Joshua Osih, clearing the way for Matomba to retain the raised fist symbol and the colour red on the ballot for the October 12 presidential election.
Serge Espoir Matomba, PURS Presidential Candidate and Counsel.The dispute centred on ballot symbols, with the Social Democratic Front (SDF) arguing that the raised fist and red colour have long been associated with its political identity.
However, the Council determined that Matomba’s use of the imagery did not constitute grounds for exclusion.
Osih Joshua, SDF Presidential Candidate.Reacting to the decision, the SDF issued a statement denouncing the ruling as “an act of manipulation directed against the party,” warning that it could mislead voters and undermine fair competition.
The ruling marks one of several disputes settled by the Constitutional Council as candidates prepare for a highly contested election, with symbols and colours seen as vital to voter recognition in a country where literacy challenges remain a factor in electoral participation.
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