KINSHASA (Reuters) - Two Congolese opposition leaders are pulling out of a deal to unite under one candidate in next month’s presidential election, they said on Monday.

The move seemingly ends hopes that the opposition will unite in the Dec. 23 poll.

Felix Tshisekedi and Vital Kamerhe had, alongside other opposition leaders, agreed to give up their candidacies on Sunday after signing a deal to back businessman Martin Fayulu’s bid to succeed President Joseph Kabila.

Both said they pulled out because their supporter bases had opposed the plan.