Title: “Demonstration by Martin Fayulu: The request to activate article 64 of the constitution shakes the political class”
Introduction :
The 2023 elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are already embroiled in controversy and tension. Martin Fayulu, political opponent and leader of the political party Commitment for Citizenship and Development (Ecidé), recently announced a demonstration planned for this Saturday to demand the activation of article 64 of the constitution. This decision comes after the refusal of Ecidé to send applications at all levels, due to the absence of a serious audit of the electoral register. This request for activation of article 64 seems to agitate the political class and gives rise to numerous debates. In this article, we will examine the reasons for this request and the possible repercussions on the Congolese political scene.
Refusal to send candidacies and contestation of the electoral register:
The Ecidé, led by Martin Fayulu, has taken the decision not to send candidates at all levels for the next elections. This controversial decision is motivated by the party’s lack of confidence in the current electoral roll, which it considers unreliable. The Ecidé therefore asks for an audit of the file to be carried out by a specialized and recognized organization, a proposal which was rejected by the independent national electoral commission (Ceni). According to Ecidé, this approach is essential to guarantee fair and transparent elections.
Article 64 of the constitution in question:
The demand for activation of article 64 of the constitution is the central point of the demonstration planned by Martin Fayulu. This article stipulates that every Congolese citizen has the duty to oppose any seizure of power by force or in violation of the constitutional provisions. Any attempt to overthrow the constitutional regime is considered an imprescriptible crime against the nation and the state, and is punishable by law. L’Ecidé believes that the activation of this article is necessary to deal with the alleged violations of the ongoing electoral process.
Reactions and political issues:
The request to activate article 64 of the constitution has aroused contrasting reactions within the Congolese political class. Some support the position of Ecidé, believing that the audit of the electoral register is essential to ensure the transparency and credibility of the elections. Other voices criticize this approach, considering it as an obstruction to the holding of elections within the time limits provided for by the constitution. The political situation is already tense in the DRC, and this demonstration could exacerbate tensions and further polarize the political landscape.
Conclusion :
The request for activation of article 64 of the constitution made by Martin Fayulu and l’Ecidé highlights concerns related to the transparency and credibility of the upcoming elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As the Congolese political class is divided on this issue, finding common ground is essential to ensure fair and just elections. The political future of the country is at stake, and it is necessary to find solutions that respond to the legitimate concerns of stakeholders