(Photo: AP)

Congo’s leader is blaming a deadly Ebola virus outbreak for the last-minute decision to bar an estimated 1 million voters from Sunday’s long-delayed presidential election, claiming it would be a “disaster” if someone infects hundreds of people. Protests exploded again on Friday in response as health workers suspended efforts and warned that new cases could sharply rise.

In an interview with The Associated Press, President Joseph Kabila contradicted his own health officials and experts with the World Health Organization who have said precautions were taken in collaboration with electoral authorities so people could vote. Those include tons of hand sanitizer — Ebola is spread via infected bodily fluids — and the screening of all voters entering polling stations.

Kabila on Thursday evening claimed that Ebola could spread as people use voting machines, tapping on a touchscreen to select candidates. A polling station could have 500 to 600 voters and “this assumes that a lot of people will be contaminated,” he said. Health officials have said people would sanitize their hands before and after voting.

Until this week, the Ebola outbreak declared on Aug. 1 had been a challenge but not a barrier to the election. Voting is now delayed in the cities of Beni and Butembo — but not in other communities with Ebola cases — until March, long after the inauguration of Kabila’s successor in January. Residents had largely supported Kabila in past elections but sentiment has turned in recent years amid persistent insecurity.

This latest delay in an election meant to occur in late 2016 has angered both residents and the opposition, which accuses the government of trying to ensure that Kabila’s preferred successor wins. Many Congolese believe Kabila will wield power behind the scenes and protect his assets in a country with vast mineral wealth.

Protests broke out in Beni again on Friday, with hundreds of people demanding the right to vote on Sunday with the rest of the country. Police and the army used live ammunition and tear gas to disperse the marchers who barricaded streets.

Some protesters carried crosses displaying “RIP Kabila” and saying his preferred successor, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, “will never be our president.” Beni’s civil society urged residents to turn out en masse on Sunday. Others protested in Butembo and Goma city.

“We don’t fear Ebola,” one of the marchers, Claude Vianney, told the AP. “I know that if you wash your hands, the Ebola virus will be killed.” He added: “We are furious, as you can see. Why does Kabila keep mocking us?”

On Thursday, some protesters attacked an Ebola response center and sent 21 patients fleeing. While Congo’s health ministry said most had tested negative for the virus and many had returned, the vandalism was the latest setback in efforts to contain the second deadliest Ebola outbreak in history. Nearly 600 cases have been reported, with more than 350 confirmed deaths.

The uproar over the voting delay has “badly disturbed” Ebola response work in Beni and Butembo, the health ministry said. Health teams could barely deploy on Thursday and no Ebola vaccinations could be carried out.

The Oxfam aid organization said it was forced to suspend its Ebola response work. Acting country director Raphael Mbuyi called it “extremely worrying” because previous suspensions have led to a spike in new cases.

Mbuyi added, however, “it’s not surprising that people who have had their votes taken away at the last minute are frustrated and going to the streets. These people deserve to have their say as well.”

Congo’s national organization of Episcopal churches called the decision to bar voters “unjust” and urged the election commission to reconsider.

Protesters said life has continued in the outbreak zone, with schools open, people going to church and candidates holding campaign rallies. Congo’s president said such activities don’t involve voting machines.

There is “no further reason” to prevent Sunday’s election, Kabila told the AP, adding: “Rest assured, there will be peace.” Police will be there to secure the population, he said.

He dismissed opposition allegations that campaigns had faced restrictions, including blocked flights and assaults on supporters.

Opposition candidate Martin Fayulu told the AP that up to 5 million of Congo’s 40 million voters might not be able to cast ballots on Sunday, claiming that voting machines had yet to be delivered to some areas.

Congo’s president also sounded defiant in the face of international pressure. His foreign minister on Thursday ordered the European Union ambassador to leave the country within 48 hours, citing EU sanctions on Kabila’s preferred successor , Shadary.

The former interior minister is under an EU asset freeze and travel ban for obstructing Congo’s electoral process and for a crackdown against protesters angry over the delayed vote. The EU prolonged the sanctions this month.

An EU spokesperson called Congo’s order “completely unjustified” and counterproductive “on the eve of very challenging elections.”

Kabila, when asked what advice he had for his successor, replied: “The biggest recommendation is that he listen to the voice of the Congolese and not follow that of the United States, Europe or elsewhere.”

Congo has resisted what it considers international meddling, vowing to fund the election itself. Western observer groups are notably absent.

“I have already said that Congo is not a beggar country,” Kabila said.