Powerful trio cast shadow over Congo poll

KINSHASA, Dec 25 (AFP): Elections in Democratic Republic of Congo will ostensibly bring the curtain down on the era of President Joseph Kabila, in charge of the vast resource-rich nation for nearly 18 turbulent years.

If elections successfully take place on Sunday, it would mark the first peaceful transition of power in the DRC's post-colonial history.

But many analysts strongly doubt that Kabila will quit politics.

Instead, they predict he will simply wield influence behind the scenes -a tactic likely to be emulated by two rivals, ex-rebel Jean-Pierre Bemba and Moise Katumbi, exiled former governor of Katanga province.

Kabila took power at the age of 29 after his president father, Laurent-Desire, was assassinated in 2001 by a bodyguard.

If Sunday's thrice-postponed vote goes according to plan, Kabila will step down, taking up the senator-for-life position offered to former presidents.