DR Congo's large youth population prepares to go to the polls According to population estimates, two-thirds of the roughly 80 million Congolese citizens are under 25 years of age. This Sunday's election will be the first time that the 18-25 age group has the chance to vote, as there have been no general elections since December 2011. In their manifestos, the candidates frequently make promises over access to jobs for young people, but it remains to be seen whether these pledges will convince the youth to turn out on 23 December.