Title: “Denis Kadima and the violation of electoral law: an attack on ethics and electoral deontology in the DRC”
Introduction:
The integrity of the electoral process is fundamental to ensuring the legitimacy of the results. Unfortunately, in several countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), violations of electoral law undermine this legitimacy. This is particularly the case with Denis Kadima, president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), who is accused of having favored the candidacy of close relatives of CENI members in the national legislative elections, in violation of article 10 of electoral law. This manipulation of the electoral process raises questions about ethics and electoral deontology in the DRC.
Violation of electoral law:
According to the information reported, several close relatives of CENI members have submitted their candidacy for the national legislative elections, without taking into account the recommendations made during the work on electoral reforms in the DRC. Spouses, children, cousins and relatives have thus been pushed to present themselves as candidates, thus creating a blatant conflict of interest and jeopardizing the ethics of the electoral process.
The most publicized cases are those of the Quaestor of the CENI, Mr. Aged Matembo Toto, whose wife and children are candidates in the Lualaba, and Mr. Roger Bimwala, member of the Plenary, whose son is also a candidate for the national legislation. Other members of the CENI, such as Mr. Didi Manara, Mrs. Joséphine Ngalula and Mr. Mabiku Totokani, have also seen their relatives join the electoral race.
Implications for electoral ethics:
This violation of electoral law by Denis Kadima and his relatives jeopardizes electoral ethics in the DRC. By favoring the candidacy of those close to him, Kadima flouts the principles of neutrality and impartiality which should guide the electoral process. This situation erodes citizens’ trust in institutions, and calls into question the legitimacy of electoral results. It has become urgent that Denis Kadima step down from the management of the CENI to avoid causing further damage to the electoral process.
Call to action:
Civil society and political parties have raised many concerns about the actions of Denis Kadima and his relatives. It is essential that the relevant authorities take steps to investigate these violations of electoral law and ensure a transparent and ethical electoral process in the DRC. The establishment of control mechanisms and appropriate sanctions is crucial to prevent such situations from recurring in the future.
Conclusion:
The violation of the electoral law by Denis Kadima and the family coterie of CENI members constitutes an attack on ethics and electoral deontology in the DRC. It is important that measures are taken to restore citizens’ confidence in the electoral process and guarantee free and fair elections. Transparency, impartiality and respect for the law must be the foundations of any democracy and it is essential that each actor in the electoral process in the DRC respects them