Fire at the CENI warehouse in Bukavu will not disrupt the electoral calendar
In an official statement released on Sunday July 30, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) said the fire that ravaged its warehouse in Bukavu will not impact the electoral calendar in South Kivu province. .
Although the fire destroyed 936 voting machines and other equipment, the CENI asserted that it will not delay the opening of reception and processing offices for the elections of provincial deputies and communal councillors. This operation is supposed to start on August 3 across the country.
Nevertheless, the CENI called on the competent authorities to carry out investigations to determine the exact causes of the fire and to establish responsibilities. According to CENI provincial executive secretary in South Kivu, Gaudens Maheshe, 300 voting machines were saved during the incident.
Although this news is reassuring about the maintenance of the electoral calendar, it is important to emphasize the importance of taking prevention and security measures to avoid such incidents in the future. The CENI should also ensure that damaged voting machines are repaired or replaced in time to ensure free and fair elections in South Kivu province.
This situation also highlights the fragility of the electoral infrastructure and the need to invest in robust and resistant equipment to ensure the smooth running of the elections. Voter confidence is largely based on the integrity of the electoral process, including the reliability of the voting machines used.
In conclusion, although the fire at the CENI warehouse in Bukavu caused the loss of many voting machines, the CENI is committed to maintaining the electoral calendar in the province of South Kivu. However, it is essential to learn from this incident and take steps to avoid such problems in the future