Elections for provincial deputies and communal councilors in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were recently called by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), marking an important milestone in the country’s democratic process. These elections, provided for in the electoral calendar, offer citizens the opportunity to choose their local representatives.
But what is a municipal councilor and what is their role within the municipality?
A municipal councilor is a representative elected by the population by direct suffrage. Their mission is to sit on the municipal council for a period of five years. They have the power to elect city councilors and the mayor, and deliberate on various issues of municipal interest.
Their field of action is vast. They are responsible for drawing up internal regulations, managing public health problems, public lighting, road maintenance and traffic authorisation. In addition, they are responsible for issuing administrative and police regulations, while ensuring that they comply with the legal and regulatory provisions issued by the higher authority.
Municipal councilors also play a crucial role in planning and programming the development of the municipality. They examine subjects related to the local civil service, the organization of municipal services and the creation of public services in compliance with national legislation. In addition, they are in charge of adopting the draft revenue and expenditure budget, as well as approving or rejecting donations, donations and legacies granted to the municipality.
Another important aspect of their work is the control of the management of the financial resources of the municipality. They also set the terms and conditions for the implementation of municipal taxes, duties and duties, while authorizing the municipality’s participation in the capital of companies carrying out activities of municipal interest. They may also authorize the participation of the municipality in associations with other neighboring municipalities with the aim of cooperating in the resolution of problems of common interest.
In short, municipal councilors are key players in local democratic life. Their role is essential to ensure the proper functioning of the municipality and meet the needs and concerns of citizens. Their commitment and dedication contribute to building a fairer and more prosperous society.
In this article, we have explored the important role of municipal councilors and their influence on the daily lives of citizens. Their work should not be underestimated and should be valued to ensure good governance and the harmonious development of local communities