Congolese opposition: Two divergent strategies to beat Félix Tshisekedi in 2023
The Congolese political landscape is experiencing a crack within the opposition, with two divergent strategies to face Félix Tshisekedi in the presidential elections scheduled for December 2023. On the one hand, Moïse Katumbi Chapwe, Augustin Matata Ponyo and Delly Sesanga Hipungu Dja Kaseng focus on a recomposition of the electoral system, including the reform of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and the Constitutional Court. On the other side, Martin Fayulu, joined by Adolphe Muzito, focuses on the truth of the ballot box, despite the imperfections of the electoral process.
The first three opposition leaders are calling for an in-depth overhaul of the electoral architecture of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They denounce the deviations of the electoral process and point out that the electoral law was adopted without respect for the law. They also question the composition of the CENI, claiming that the opposition delegates were chosen by those in power and are not recognized by their political family. According to them, this situation compromises the confidence necessary for the CENI to carry out its mission in an impartial manner.
They also criticize the excessive tribalization of the electoral process, claiming that all institutions involved in the organization of elections are politicized and tribalized. They point out in particular that the president of the CENI belongs to the same political and ethnic side as several other key figures in the electoral process, which suggests that this could lead to truncated results.
For their part, Fayulu and Muzito emphasize the truth of the ballot box, affirming that despite the imperfections of the electoral process, it is essential to focus on respecting the will of the people expressed at the ballot box.
This strategic divergence within the Congolese opposition highlights the importance of political and electoral issues in the DRC. While Katumbi, Matata and Sesanga seek to reform the electoral system, Fayulu and Muzito prefer to fight for fair and transparent elections, even in a difficult context. The next few months will be crucial for the Congolese opposition, which will have to find a unified strategy to face Félix Tshisekedi and his allies in the 2023 presidential elections.