Title: Electoral issues in the DRC in December 2023: the EU supports the CENI and calls for inclusive and secure participation
Introduction :
The elections scheduled for December 2023 in the Democratic Republic of Congo raise many concerns and questions. The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) is at the center of the debates, in particular concerning the request for a new external audit of the electoral register. In this article, we will discuss the European Union’s support for the CENI and its call for inclusive and secure participation in the electoral process.
The support of the European Union to the CENI:
The European Union has taken a position in favor of the CENI in the electoral context in the DRC. In an official statement, the EU expressed its support for the institution responsible for organizing the elections and acknowledged the criticisms and concerns expressed by the political opposition and civil society. However, it also underlines the need to respond to them quickly.
The call for inclusive participation:
The EU emphasizes the importance of inclusive participation in the electoral process. This means that all stakeholders, including the political opposition, must have the opportunity to actively and fairly participate in the elections. Inclusion guarantees democratic representativeness and reinforces the legitimacy of the results.
Securing the electoral process:
Another essential point underlined by the European Union is the need to guarantee security during the electoral process. Elections in the DRC have often been marked by incidents of violence and unrest, which undermines the credibility of the democratic process. The EU calls for reinforced security measures to prevent any act of violence and to ensure peaceful elections.
Conclusion :
The electoral issues in the DRC in December 2023 raise many questions and concerns. With this in mind, the European Union supports the Independent National Electoral Commission and calls for inclusive and secure participation in the electoral process. These factors are essential to ensure the legitimacy and credibility of the elections and to promote democratic consolidation in the Democratic Republic of Congo