Title: Elections in the DRC: The European Union is committed to competitive and peaceful elections in 2023
Introduction :
The European Union (EU) recently pledged to support the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in its electoral process in view of the elections scheduled for December 2023. In a press release, the EU expressed its intention to support the DRC on the path to competitive, peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections. This commitment underlines the importance of democracy and stability in the country, and testifies to the attention paid by the international community to this process.
Support for the efforts of the Electoral Commission:
In its press release, the EU recognizes the work undertaken by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and encourages the latter to continue in this direction. However, the EU remains sensitive to the criticisms and concerns expressed by opposition political parties and civil society organisations, underlining the need to respond to them urgently.
Inclusive, free and transparent elections:
The main objective of the EU is to guarantee fully inclusive, free, transparent and peaceful elections in the DRC. This requires freedom of expression, of the media, of assembly, of association and of movement. The EU calls on the various stakeholders to work together to create an environment conducive to a fair and honest electoral process.
A condemnation of hate speech:
In its statement, the EU also condemns hate speech and xenophobia which could divide the Congolese population. It calls on all political actors to explicitly condemn such discourse and to oppose any action aimed at denigrating an ethnic group, a minority or a religious community. The EU insists that those who incite violence must be held accountable.
Conclusion :
The European Union’s commitment to the DRC for competitive, peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections in December 2023 is an important step in the country’s democratic process. By providing international support and vigilance, the EU contributes to the consolidation of democracy and stability in the DRC. However, challenges remain, including the need to respond to the criticisms and concerns of opposing parties. By working together, the DRC and its international partners can work towards fair elections and a bright future for the country