The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is currently plagued by many political, social and economic problems. Since the vote is often influenced by ethnic and regional factors, candidates must ensure that they have a solid electoral base before being able to convince exogenous voters.
Electoral data published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) indicates that the regions with the strongest electoral bases are:
– the Kongophone area (Kinshasa, Kongo Central, Kwango and Kwilu) with 8,386,860 potential voters;
– Grand Kivu (North-Kivu, South-Kivu and Maniema) with 5,902,525 voters;
– Grand Kasaï (Kasaï-Central, Kasaï-Oriental and Kasaï) with 4,842,904 voters;
– Greater Katanga (Haut-Katanga, Haut Lomami, Lomami, Lualaba and Tanganyka) with 8,127,171 voters.
The main candidates in the running are the current president, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, with the starting base of Grand Kasaï and the Kasai dispersal, Martin Fayulu and Adolphe Muzito with a large base from the Kongophone area, and Moïse Katumbi with popularity in the former province of Katanga.
However, the next presidential election promises to be difficult for each candidate given the nature of the one-round ballot in an environment where the choice of voters is essentially made on an ethnic or regional basis. Grand Kivu does not seem determined to field a candidate, which could benefit Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, who can also count on the electoral reserve of Vital Kamerhe and Modeste Bahati Lukwebo.
The DRC faces many challenges, such as security in the east of the country, justice, the food crisis, the restriction of civic space, and the representation of women in peacebuilding. However, some progress can be noted, such as the appointment of Julienne Lusenge as deputy coordinator of the national monitoring mechanism for the Addis Ababa framework agreement in the DRC.
Despite all its challenges, the DRC continues to fight for economic and social development. Events such as the Salon des Jeunes Entrepreneurs Congolais show that young Congolese are motivated to start businesses and develop their country. Initiatives like enafep also give hope for an improvement in Congolese education.
In short, the DRC must meet many challenges to ensure its future. However, the advances mentioned here show a desire for change and optimism about the country’s future.