Title: The stakes of the electoral process in the DRC: a divided Opposition
Introduction :
The electoral process continues its course in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), despite strong protests from the political opposition. While some political leaders have decided to participate in the elections while maintaining their demands for free and transparent elections, others remain firm in their positions, such as Martin Fayulu, leader of ECiDé. At the heart of this division is the question of the external audit of the electoral roll and fears about potential electoral fraud.
Martin Fayulu’s fight for an external audit of the electoral register:
Martin Fayulu, leader of ECiDé, is convinced that there can be no quality elections without an external audit of the electoral register by a reputable body. According to him, this audit is essential to guarantee the transparency and reliability of the electoral process. However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) does not share this position. According to her, the external audit is not a legal requirement, but rather a planned activity in her calendar of actions. She considers that the audit can only be carried out again on the basis of a solid argument.
Recourse to article 64 of the constitution:
Faced with what he considers to be possible electoral fraud, Martin Fayulu has announced a mobilization campaign to prepare the people for the use of article 64 of the Congolese constitution. This article stipulates that a Congolese has the right to oppose any person or group of people who seizes power by force or who exercises it in violation of the provisions of the constitution. Fayulu therefore intends to mobilize the people so that they are ready to face any attempt to manipulate the electoral process.
The reactions and consequences of this division:
Martin Fayulu’s position and his refusal to take part in the elections without an external audit of the electoral roll have provoked mixed reactions within the political opposition. Some support his approach, believing that it is important to guarantee the transparency of the elections. Others, on the other hand, have chosen to participate in the electoral process, arguing that even if it is not perfect, it is better to take part in an attempt to advance democratic demands.
This division within the political opposition has consequences for the unity of the movement and weakens its ability to put pressure on the government in place. Some fear that this will give an additional advantage to the majority in power and compromise the chances of a real political alternation.
Conclusion :
The electoral process in the DRC is marked by a division within the political opposition, in particular around the question of the external audit of the electoral register. While some political leaders have chosen to participate in the elections by maintaining their demands, others, like Martin Fayulu, remain firm in their position. This division weakens the opposition and raises questions about the possibility of a real political alternation in the country