Title: The Challenges of Electoral Governance in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Introduction :
The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) in the Democratic Republic of Congo is facing a lot of criticism. The Coordination for the Analysis and Monitoring of the Election (CASE) deplores the congratulations expressed by President Félix Tshisekedi towards the CENI, despite its operational and technical shortcomings. The country’s electoral governance is in question, while dialogues are underway between the radical opposition and the CENI.
Congratulations disputed:
CASE is concerned by President Tshisekedi’s congratulations to the CENI, which it sees as validation of irregularities in the electoral process. According to Simaro Ngongo, president of CASE, this attitude demonstrates that the head of state is ill-informed about the functioning of the CENI and is becoming an accomplice in massive electoral fraud. CASE calls for the immediate resignation of CENI President Denis Kadima Kazadi.
The call to listen:
Simaro Ngongo invites President Tshisekedi to be more attentive to the demands of the people with regard to the electoral process. He criticizes the decision to invest Denis Kadima at the head of the CENI despite the disputes, and believes that the electoral process is moving away from national cohesion and the values of inclusiveness.
Grievances against Denis Kadima:
CASE accuses Denis Kadima of having been fraudulently appointed as a representative of civil society and of having resisted criticism of his appointment as head of the CENI. He is also accused of having corrupted high religious dignitaries to achieve his ambition. CASE points the finger at Kadima as the source of the rift between religious denominations in the DRC, thus contributing to a tense political climate.
Conclusion :
Electoral governance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo faces many challenges. Criticism of the CENI and its president Denis Kadima is on the rise, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the electoral process. It is crucial that President Tshisekedi listens to popular demands and takes responsible decisions to ensure free and fair elections in the country.
Note: The information used in this article is based on the original article published on July 4, 2023 on the Media Congo website. Links included in the text are fictitious examples and may be replaced with actual links to relevant articles