Political news in the DRC: Provisional list of legislative candidates unveiled
The Independent National Electoral Commission (Céni) of the Democratic Republic of Congo published on Friday the provisional list of candidates selected for the legislative elections scheduled for December 20. Of the 28,791 registered applications, only 23,653 were deemed admissible, while nearly 4,500 were declared non-compliant and 642 inadmissible.
Once again, the issue of female representation in politics has been raised, with only 17% of candidacies belonging to women. A slight improvement compared to the 11% recorded during the previous elections, but still far from the desired parity.
Among the candidates selected, there are representatives of the presidential majority as well as opponents. However, some major political parties like Martin Fayulu’s Lamuka and Joseph Kabila’s PPRD are not on the list, citing irregularities and an opaque electoral process. They have five days to file appeals with the Constitutional Court.
This publication of the provisional list arouses various reactions within the Congolese population. Some welcome the respect of procedures and the transparency of the Ceni, while others express their dissatisfaction with the exclusion of certain important political parties.
These legislative elections are of capital importance for the political future of the DRC. They will make it possible to renew the National Assembly and give citizens a voice to participate in the country’s political decision-making.
It should be noted that this provisional list of candidates is subject to appeal and will be confirmed by the Constitutional Court in the coming days. In the meantime, the political parties will intensify their electoral campaign to convince voters of their legitimacy and their ability to represent their interests