The Importance of Informed Choice in Elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo
In a press conference held on July 6, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Kisangani and President of the Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO), Archbishop Marcel Utembi Tapa, urged the Congolese people to make informed choices in the upcoming elections. He called on citizens to be objective and to favor the criteria of competence and moral probity when they go to the polls in December.
Bishop Utembi stressed that the elections are an opportunity for the people to renew their confidence in the leaders who have served the country well, but also to punish those who have mismanaged and served their own interests. He stressed the importance of saying “no” to opportunists who switch sides for their personal interests, to candidates who favor their family members as substitutes, to candidates who apply at all levels and to those who practice nepotism and tribalism.
The Archbishop recalled that the choice that the Congolese people will make during the elections will have a decisive impact on the future of the country. He invited citizens to become aware of their responsibility as primary sovereigns and to reject practices that compromise the general interest.
This call from Bishop Utembi highlights the importance of democracy and citizen participation in political life. It encourages voters to be vigilant and to objectively evaluate candidates and their proposals, in order to choose those who best represent their interests and who have the necessary skills to ensure good government.
In conclusion, it is crucial for the Congolese people to heed Bishop Utembi’s advice and make informed choices in the elections. This will help strengthen democracy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and ensure competent and accountable leadership for the future of the country.