The elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continue to generate great enthusiasm among the population. According to Denis Kadima, spokesman for the Independent National Electoral Commission, more than 25,000 applications have been submitted for the elections of provincial deputies and municipal councillors. This record attendance testifies to the Congolese people’s attachment to democratic values.
The CENI registered an average of 50 candidates per seat, a figure never reached since the first democratic elections organized in 2006. This massive participation demonstrates the will of the population to be actively involved in the electoral process and to make their voices heard.
Denis Kadima underlines that the CENI is actively preparing the organization of the polls, mobilizing its teams on the ground to ensure that everything is ready on time. The goal is for the December 2023 elections to be a true celebration of democracy in the DRC.
However, he also deplores a rise in unjustified intolerance and warns against the verbal and physical violence that can accompany the election campaign period. According to him, only the battle of ideas should take precedence in a democratic society, and violence only harms the country and its development.
It is therefore essential to guarantee a peaceful and respectful climate during this crucial period for the DRC. The authorities, the candidates and the population must all work together to preserve the integrity of the electoral process and maintain peace in the country.
In conclusion, the remarkable influx of candidates for the elections in the DRC testifies to the commitment of the Congolese to democracy. However, preventing and avoiding violence during the election campaign is crucial to ensure fair, free and transparent elections