The presidential race in the Democratic Republic of Congo is attracting the attention of international partners and citizens, especially given the moments of tension that preceded and followed the last elections. While the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) is increasing contacts with political leaders for a more transparent and inclusive electoral process, opponent Martin Fayulu has shown his indecision about participating in these elections.
Indeed, while some leaders have shown themselves in favor of participating in the December 20 elections this year, Fayulu has declared that his party, ECIDE, will not be able to submit candidates until the electoral register is audited by a independent firm for more transparency. With this in mind, he indicated his availability to meet the CENI office to define the rules of the game before deciding whether or not to participate in the elections.
Faced with this posture, many observers are calling on political actors to favor dialogue to avoid tensions that risk degenerating into violence. No one doubts that the elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo are an essential turning point in the process of democratization of this country and in the consolidation of democratic gains in Africa.
However, to guarantee a free, transparent and inclusive election, it is important to take the appropriate actions to build the foundations of an irreproachable electoral process. Transparency, inclusion, respect for the rules of the game, are all issues that challenge political actors and Congolese citizens.
In this context, the efforts made by the CENI to maintain a constructive dialogue with political leaders and civil society organizations are beneficial for the consolidation of democracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo.