The recent publication of the five names of the experts retained by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) for the audit of the electoral register in the Democratic Republic of Congo is not unanimous. La Lucha, a citizens’ movement, judges this decision as a real scam and a forced passage, used to legitimize the electoral fraud in progress.
The CENI chose three Congolese, one Malawian and one South African from a list of experts. However, Lucha insists on the need to call on credible, qualified and independent actors to guarantee the transparency and integrity of the audit.
The five experts selected are Janet Love (RSA), Mushabi Lufu Choisi (Malawi), Joseph Topangu (DRC), Kabata Kabata Kabamba (DRC) and Vianney Nzangi (DRC). But according to Lucha, it is imperative that the audit be carried out by independent actors in order to avoid future scandals.
La Lucha is not the only one to express its doubts about the credibility of the 2023 elections. The Congolese opposition has also called for an audit of the electoral register before the ballot takes place. Through these actions, the Congolese hope to avoid fraud and guarantee a transparent and credible electoral process in the interest of the country.
Elections are a major issue for the DRC, each citizen is concerned about the organization and transparency of these. Yet the ongoing preparations cast doubt on the transparency of the electoral process, unless drastic measures are taken to rectify the errors still committed.