A United Nations spokesman has condemned the use of violence in the run-up to the Democratic Republic of Congo's elections.
Spokesman Jean-Tobie Okala in Kinshasa says at least four people died Monday, including one National Army soldier, when heavily armed gunmen opened fire on a political rally in Congo's North Kivu province.
At least six people were seriously injured in the attack. The identity of the gunmen is unknown.
Speaking to VOA, Okala said the U.N. condemns the use of violence to, "push people around ahead of the election."
Many opposition groups have accused the government of incumbent president Joseph Kabila of trying to gain an unfair advantage in the July 30 polls.
Some international election monitors warn the government is threatening the fairness of the electoral process through unjustified arrests and intimidation.