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Election measure being withdrawn after Congo unrest

Published: 15:07 EST, 24 January 2015 | Updated: 15:07 EST, 24 January 2015

KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — The head of Congo's parliament says a controversial measure that led to violent street protests in the enormous country is now being withdrawn.

Aubin Minaku, president of the National Assembly, made the announcement late Saturday.

It comes a day after the Senate voted to eliminate the measure that would have required a census before next year's vote. Had it become law, it was expected to delay the 2016 presidential vote.

In this photo taken on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015, a anti government protestor, center, stands in front a burning car as he and others, block roads and burn tires during a protest against a new law that could delay election to be held in 2016, in the city of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Officials say at least a dozen people are dead amid protests over a proposed law the opposition fears will prolong the president¿s time in power. Government spokesman Lambert Mende said Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015, that 12 people have died in unrest and pillaging since protests began Monday, Jan. 19, 2015. (AP Photo/John Bompengo)

Critics say the proposed change to electoral law would have paved the way for President Joseph Kabila to prolong his time in power. Kabila has been president since 2001 and under current law is barred from seeking another term.

Human rights groups say dozens of people died amid the unrest and hundreds of other activists and opposition members were arrested.

In this photo taken on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015, anti government protestors burn tyres as a protester holds rocks, while they block a road during a protest against a new law that could delay the scheduled election to be held in 2016, in the city of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Officials say at least a dozen people are dead amid protests which began Monday, over a proposed law that opposition groups fear will prolong the president¿s time in power. (AP Photo/John Bompengo)

In this photo taken on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015, anti government protestors burn tyres as they block a road during a protest against a new law that could delay the scheduled election to be held in 2016, in the city of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Officials say at least a dozen people are dead amid protests which began Monday, over a proposed law that opposition groups fear will prolong the president¿s time in power. (AP Photo/John Bompengo)