These elections are run by the Independent National Electoral Commission, often referred to by its French acronym CENI.
The 1960 elections, held just before independence, saw Patrice Lumumba become prime minister and Joseph Kasavubu president.
In 1965 Mobutu Sese Seko seized power and declared himself president amid the Congo Crisis.
His constitutionally-mandated term ended in 2016, but the government put off a new election, citing logistical problems and the ongoing conflict in the eastern DRC.
Tshisekedi was reelected with a large majority in December 2023, coming ahead of Moise Katumbi and Fayulu.