In 1970 King Baudouin of Belgium made a highly successful state visit to Kinshasa. That same year presidential and legislative elections were held. Although the constitution allowed for the existence of two parties, the MPR was the only party allowed to nominate candidates. For the presidential election, Mobutu was the only candidate. Voting was not secret; voters chose a green paper if they supported Mobutu's candidacy, and a red paper if they opposed his candidacy. Casting a green ballot was deemed a vote for hope, while a red ballot was deemed a vote for chaos. Under the circumstances, the result was inevitable–according to official figures, Mobutu was confirmed in office with near-unanimous support, garnering 10,131,669 votes to only 157 "no" votes.Callaghy, Thomas M. The State-Society Struggle: Zaire in Comparative Perspective, p. 164 It later emerged that almost 30,500 more votes were cast than the actual number of registered voters.DRC: Elections under the Second Republic EISANohlen, D, Krennerich, M & Thibaut, B (1999) Elections in Africa: A data handbook, p294 The legislative elections were held in a similar fashion. Voters were presented with a single list from the MPR; according to official figures, an implausible 98.33% of voters voted in favor of the MPR list.
In 1970 King Baudouin of Belgium made a highly successful state visit to Kinshasa That same year presidential and legislative elections were held Although the constitution allowed for the existence of two parties the MPR was the only party allowed to nominate candidates For the presidential election Mobutu was the only candidate Voting was not secret; voters chose a green paper if they supported Mobutu's candidacy and a red paper if they opposed his candidacy Casting a green ballot was deemed a vote for hope while a red ballot was deemed a vote for chaos Under the circumstances the result was inevitable–according to official figures Mobutu was confirmed in office with near-unanimous support garnering 10131669 votes to only 157 "no" votesCallaghy Thomas M The State-Society Struggle Zaire in Comparative Perspective p 164 It later emerged that almost 30500 more votes were cast than the actual number of registered votersDRC Elections under the Second Republic EISANohlen D Krennerich M & Thibaut B (1999) Elections in Africa A data handbook p294 The legislative elections were held in a similar fashion Voters were presented with a single list from the MPR; according to official figures an implausible 9833% of voters voted in favor of the MPR list