Elections are approaching in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the presidential party, the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), is actively preparing. According to the president of the Permanent Electoral Commission (CEP) of the UDPS, Jacquemain Shabani, the party will present 500 candidates for national deputies, the number corresponding to the seats to be filled in the National Assembly.
During the last legislature, the UDPS presented 377 candidates, of whom only 32 were elected. In 2011, the party fielded 394 candidates and won 42. This time, according to the new electoral law, each party should submit at least 300 candidates out of the 500 seats available. In addition, lists with more than 50% women will not pay a deposit.
This announcement bears witness to the UDPS’s desire to strengthen its representation in the National Assembly and to exercise real political influence. By presenting a large number of candidates, the party hopes to increase its chances of obtaining more seats and thus have more weight in parliamentary debates.
However, the competition will be tough. Many other political parties are also preparing for elections and seeking meaningful representation in parliament. Voters will have to choose from many candidates, which will make the competition even more difficult.
It is also interesting to note that the new electoral law encourages the participation of women by exempting lists comprising more than 50% of women from the deposit to be paid. This measure aims to promote better female representation in the country’s political bodies.
The next elections in the DRC will be a crucial moment for the UDPS and the other political parties. They will make it possible to measure their popularity and their ability to influence the political life of the country. Voters will be responsible for choosing the representatives who will be able to represent them effectively and defend their interests.
In conclusion, the UDPS is actively preparing for the next elections by presenting 500 candidates for national deputies. This strategy aims to strengthen the party’s presence in the National Assembly and increase its political influence. Voters will have an important choice to make in the elections, and the participation of women is encouraged thanks to the new electoral law. The next few months will be decisive for the political life of the DRC