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reuters

KINSHASA (Reuters) - Democratic Republic of Congo's plans to hold parliamentary and presidential elections in November are unconstitutional and unrealistic, the country's leading opposition parties said on Sunday.

The November 28 polls are seen as a vital step towards bringing stability to the vast mineral-rich country struggling with corruption and conflict in its east.

Opposition parties say they are worried about the poll's timetable, which will leave a two-week legal vacuum between the expiration of President Joseph Kabila's mandate on December 6 and the naming of the new president on December 20.

"The political opposition adamantly maintains that the electoral calendar is unconstitutional and unrealistic," said a statement signed by 26 opposition politicians.

The statement noted voter registration had been completed in only two of 11 provinces and warned the poll could be delayed. The opposition said it was still determined to take part.

The statement also criticised security in the build-up to the vote, repeating accusations that opposition supporters have been intimidated, attacked and killed by the authorities.

Security remains a serious concern for the country, particularly in the east, where armed groups are continuing to battle the army and UN peacekeepers.

The government has denied accusations that opponents are being targeted.