Elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in December 2023 will receive assistance from the embassies of the United States, Germany, Belgium, Canada, Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Japan, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, United Kingdom, Sweden, Switzerland, Czech Republic, and the Delegation of the European Union . In a joint statement, these diplomatic delegations and the EU declared their willingness to support the Congolese electoral process in its ambition to be competitive, peaceful, inclusive and transparent. The embassies took note of the efforts made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) to carry out this mission.
However, the embassies also expressed concern over the patience and commitment of the Congolese political class to a peaceful process, urging them to refrain from inciting violence and to promote inclusion rather than division. . The embassies stressed that all political leaders, whether from the opposition or the ruling majority, share responsibility for maintaining peace during the election campaign. They also insisted on respect for fundamental democratic rights and equal opportunities for all candidates.
The embassies stressed that competitive, peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections were essential for the exercise of democracy in the DRC. Holding a healthy and robust debate on matters important to all citizens and in accordance with the DRC’s constitution and electoral laws is central to the process.
The DRC faced security, justice and food crisis challenges in 2021, but overall the year was marked by advances in the dynamics of citizens’ movements, the appointment of a woman to head the national monitoring mechanism for the Addis Ababa Framework Agreement and the consolidation of peace in the East. The 2023 elections will be crucial for the DRC and the embassies express their support for the Congolese people in this electoral process