DR Congo parliament set to elect new speaker

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s parliament is set to vote for a new speaker on Wednesday.

The vote is expected to confirm the shift of power in favour of President Félix Tshisekedi in his power struggle with his predecessor Joseph Kabila.

President Tshisekedi’s newly acquired majority, composed of 391 MPs out of 500, has lined up candidates for the top positions in parliament.

The new speaker will replace Jeanine Mabunda, a Kabila ally who was voted out on 10 December.

The vote on the speaker and members of his office will expedite the appointment of a new prime minister, the president’s allies say.