The presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo is sparking debate among the political class. In a joint statement, the deputies of the Front Commun pour le Congo (FCC) affirmed their intention to participate in the elections within the constitutional deadline, provided that they have a “consensual” leadership team of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and including delegates from all components.
The deputies also demanded a “non-subordinate” Constitutional Court, whose members comply with the Constitution and the relevant laws, as well as an “inclusive” electoral law guaranteeing transparency and equal opportunities for all competitors. They denounced the absence of these conditions, as well as the registration of voters, presented as being subject to “fraud, amateurism and the glaring absence of a credible external audit making it unreliable decried by all”.
They added that the unreliability of the electoral process could lead to “chaotic and fraudulent” elections in the country. The deputies held the power in place responsible for all the resulting consequences, and decided not to support “the dictatorship of Mr. Tshisekedi, nor the electoral hold-up he has already planned”. Consequently, they decided not to pass an “already biased” bill which could have “dramatic and incalculable consequences on the future of our democracy and the Republic”.
The political situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo is complex. Nevertheless, the FCC deputies made a point of publicly expressing their position on the presidential election and the situation of the CENI. As the political future of the country remains uncertain, it is important that stakeholders continue to dialogue and work together to ensure democratic and transparent elections.