Article: “2023: the Congolese opposition divides its strategies for the presidential elections”
The Congolese opposition faces a silent strategic crack, as it prepares to face Felix Tshisekedi in the December 2023 presidential election. A group of four opponents, consisting of Moïse Katumbi Chapwe, Augustin Matata Ponyo, Delly Sesanga Hipungu Dja Kaseng and Martin Fayulu face a divide in their respective approaches.
On the one hand, Moïse Katumbi Chapwe, Augustin Matata Ponyo and Delly Sesanga Hipungu Dja Kaseng are focusing on the reconstruction of the electoral system, particularly with regard to the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and the Constitutional Court. They call for a complete overhaul of the electoral architecture of the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting deviations from the electoral process and questioning the composition of the CENI.
On the other side, Martin Fayulu, recently joined by Adolphe Muzito, opts for the truth of the ballot box despite the imperfections of the process. He insists on the importance of transparency in elections and urges the holding of a fair and equitable electoral process.
This division within the Congolese opposition highlights the different approaches to beating Félix Tshisekedi. While some opponents focus on reforming the electoral system to ensure free and fair elections, others focus on verifying results and combating electoral manipulation.
Some opposition leaders, such as Katumbi, Matata and Sesanga, point to the excessive tribalization of the electoral process and the politicization of the institutions responsible for organizing elections. They argue that the confidence of electoral contestants is paramount to the smooth running of the electoral process, and question the composition of the CENI, pointing to the political and ethnic ties between some key officials.
The question of the financing of electoral operations is also a source of tension between the government and the CENI. While the government claims to provide the necessary resources, the CENI questions the financial means allocated, highlighting the constraints weighing on the electoral process.
Despite this strategic division, all opponents are united in their common goal: to defeat Félix Tshisekedi in the December 2023 presidential election. How this division will affect the electoral campaign and the opposition’s chances of winning the election remains to have. It is clear, however, that the stakes are high and that the different opposition camps will have to find common ground to maximize their chances of success.