This Sunday, June 26, 2023, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) announced the opening of offices for the reception and processing of applications in Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A total of 171 offices will be open to receive independent candidates, political parties and political groups wishing to participate in the election of national deputies. This operation of receiving and processing applications began today and will end on July 15, ie a period of 20 days. Congolese who, for one reason or another, have not yet been enrolled will also be able to register at each office.
CENI President Denis Kadima also encouraged political parties and political groupings to ensure the promotion of gender, by aligning at least 50% women on their candidate lists.
In addition, meetings are planned between the CENI and political leaders, particularly those of the opposition, in order to jointly explore realistic solutions for a more inclusive process. The CENI also intends to implement all the recommendations of the external audit, mainly the advance publication of voter lists.
The electoral register, which has nearly 44 million voters, has already been submitted to the National Population Identification Office (ONIP) and forms the basis of the general population register. Denis Kadima insisted on the fact that the CENI acts independently to ensure the conduct of transparent elections that are worthy of the confidence of public opinion.
It should be noted that, contrary to its press release No. 025 of June 12, 2023, the CENI postpones the registration of voters in the territory of Kwamouth, province of Maï-Ndombe to a later date, pending the holding of final consultations with the security authorities.
In view of this information, it is important to emphasize the importance of a realistic approach with regard to the general elections of December 2023. Compliance with the constitution and laws with good electoral standards and practices must be prioritized to ensure the conduct of transparent and peaceful elections