The phenomenon of electoral candidates lining up family members as alternates is increasingly widespread in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A situation that arouses many criticisms and questioning within the political parties.
In different regions of the country, we can see this phenomenon. For example, in Kwango, candidate Doug Kulungu lined up his brother and sister as alternates. In Kenge-Territoire, journalist Émile Yimbu chose his wife as the first substitute after having been refused by many other candidates. Many other examples of candidates choosing family members as alternates can be cited across the country.
This practice raises many questions. Some candidates are criticized for favoring “family succession” in politics, to the detriment of other members of their party. Some parliamentary candidates have even chosen their parents as substitutes. We can cite the case of the candidate Mboso N’kodia Mpwanga who aligned his son, or the political group “CODE” led by Jean-Lucien Bussa Tongba, where the Kinkani brothers are candidates in different constituencies.
Social networks are also the place of criticism, denouncing the fact that candidates claiming to be from civil society or “Jehovah’s Witnesses” have also entered the race for deputy.
Some candidates defend this practice by saying that it does not contravene any provision of the law. However, this raises questions about transparency and equal opportunity in the electoral process.
This phenomenon highlights the issues related to democracy and governance in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It raises the question of the separation of powers and equal access to political functions. It is essential to encourage diversity and representativeness within political institutions in order to guarantee a truly inclusive democracy.
In conclusion, the phenomenon of electoral candidates who line up members of their family as substitutes raises many questions. It highlights the challenges of democracy and the importance of fair and transparent political representation