The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) of the Democratic Republic of the Congo began this Monday, May 15, 2023 the work relating to the external audit of the electoral register, in accordance with its electoral calendar. This data cleaning and consolidation phase will see the participation of five national and international experts selected by the CENI. Mrs. Janet Love from South Africa, Mr. Muhabi Lufu Chisi from Malawi, Mr. Joseph Topangu, Mr. Kabata Kabata Kabamba and Mr. Vianney Nzanzu Twite will thus be responsible for helping the CENI in this important mission.
However, the mission of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) was refused by the Commission. In a letter addressed to the president of the CENI, the OIF explained that the proposed deadline was too short for better support. However, the CENI plans an external audit of the file from May 15 to 20, five days.
This refusal by the OIF created a number of controversies and raised questions about the transparency of the current external audit. Voices are raised to demand an international audit to guarantee impartiality. According to them, a national external audit could be tainted with suspicions of manipulation.
The external audit of the electoral register is an essential step to guarantee the credibility of all elections. It is a sword of Damocles over the electoral process in the country. Authorities must step up efforts to ensure impartial and transparent audit